Today it was time for a tearful goodbye. We all knew it was coming, but that didn’t make the moment easier. I think the reason older people focus so much on heaven is that they’re just tired of saying goodbye. Once we get to paradise, separations will be only a dim memory.
Last night we brainstormed for a way I might stay longer. After all, it took a week to get over jet lag and climb the grandma learning curve on everything from how the British toilets flush to how the washing machine works. Staying a few more days could only be delicious “grannie-gravy.”
I’ve gotten used to living with little children again, and I know my withdrawal from them will be of greater stress than dealing with a second round of jet lag. Nicholas has his own special presence and is at one of my favorite ages. Being a one year old with plump, kissable cheeks and the optimism of discovery during every minute of every day is completely captivating. Interacting with him has been rich entertainment as he’s thrown himself into daily life with glee. His sweet personality and big brown eyes will be front-and-center in my mind for many days to come.
And our newborn twins, already turning into “regular babies,” have proved to be the proverbial double blessing, despite their roller coaster responses to our scheduling efforts. There were evidences of their presence in every corner of every room that made it seem like we were seeing double. The work load of one infant is doubled by two, and equipment-doubles abound as well. For grandmas, this is like playing dolls on steroids. To see and think in pairs is twice the fun.
When I get sad about having had to go, I do the only positive thing I know to do: count my blessings. And when I come to “new birth” on my mental list, I’m thankful to be able to add, “Times two!”
The whole truth of the matter, though, is that my blessings add up to two million times two. And I’d need longer than a cross-Atlantic flight-time to be able to number them all.
“The Almighty… blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breast and womb.” (Genesis 49:25)
Good byes are awful every time, but necessary to be able to say hello again:-) Have a safe trip home! I know at least one fury guy is going to be sooo happy to see you again;-)
So will Katie start a blog of her own so we can continue to watch their family in the months ahead? Have a safe journey home – the weather is great here in Michigan if that helps saying goodbye easier.
‘Playing dolls on steroids’ – I like that – it’s a very accurate description. Safe journey, Margaret.
I think you are “spot on” in your observation about why old people focus more and more on heaven…..their bodies are letting them down, their relationships are getting more distant, and the one constant is the Lord who grows ever more precious as earthly joys dim.
Ohhh, It’s hard to say “Good bye” and I think it’s harder to say it to kids that are young, since they don’t know anything about time diffrents… like when I left WI for the first time was awful, but last year went smooth and they said see you next time =) and that was much easier even thou I know they would be bigger and a new baby had been added to my host family!
Have a safe flight!
Hi Margaret,
You’ve been making countless adjustments this year… in the scheme of things traveling again and getting back in the west of the Atlantic time zone is minor by comparison, but an adjustment none the less. Journey mercies as you head back home.
Love,
Terry