Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Grandparent(s) (04/03/08)
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TITLE: Grammy's Scent | Previous Challenge Entry
By Cherry Bieber
04/08/08 -
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When my package had arrived in the mail, Christy had opened it with fervor. Pulling out the apron, she adored the lavender fabric covered with tiny delicate purple flowers and the soft lace that adorned its edges. She then pulled it close to her face and breathed deeply. With sudden excitement she shouted to my daughter, “Mama! It has Grammy’s scent!” She held it to her face again and with her eyes closed in reverie sighed, “Oh, I just Love the smell of Grammy!”
Weeks later, my daughter suggested that the apron should be washed, as Christy had worn it almost daily since receiving it. Her angelic blue eyes filled with tears. She held the apron close to her with determination and spoke haltingly. “But…Mama, if you wash my apron it will lose Grammy’s smell and I won’t have it to remind me of her any more.” The tears spilled from her beautiful eyes. My daughter sat down and pulled Christy onto her lap explaining to her that the apron would not, in fact, lose Grammy’s smell unless it became too dirty. So, with the trust that every child should have in Mama, she handed the apron to her. She kept a vigil by the washer and watched it go around and around until the cycle was done. Once the apron was in the washer, she sat and waited there as well. When the signal on the dryer buzzed to announce that all was dry inside, she flung the door open and pulled out her apron. She immediately buried her face in it and breathed deeply. With elation, she ran up the stairs crying out for Mama saying, “Mama! Smell! It does still have Grammy’s scent!!”
I don’t really know how that little girl determined what my “scent” was. You see, we live eight hundred miles apart and finances allow us only about one visit per year. Personally, I think it is the answer from the Lord to my prayers that, even with these miles between us, we would be near and dear to our grandchildren therefore providing a much-needed part of their joy and upbringing.
About a year ago, I started sending letters to them. Every Sunday evening I write and send one letter. I start with the eldest and work my way down to the youngest, just months old. I share things with them that I want them to remember long after I am gone, most especially my Love for the Lord. It is now part of their ritual to watch the mail with bated breath to hear what Grammy has to say to the child of that week. My daughter tells me that even the two and three-year-old toddlers carry my letters in their pockets for days and they all sleep with the letters under their pillows.
At present we are preparing to make our annual trip to visit my daughter, son-in-law, and the grandchildren. As I reflect on being a grandparent, my heart swells with joy. Some grandparents say, “I just spoil ‘em rotten and send ‘em home!” I pray this is just stated in jest, as the position of grandparent is a much higher standard than that. It is one of value, purpose, and accountability. Having grown up without the benefit of grandparents, it is the desire of my heart to not only pour out my Love to them, but to be an example of Christ’s likeness.
Psalm 127:3 “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” KJV
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Thank you for sharing this special story. I hope it ranks high this week.
haven't been so blessed, but still desire to use their instinctive caring in a mothering relationship; Hopefully our churches will provide such possibilities.