The Blessing of the "Greats"

This summer has afforded some sweet times with Rachael and Thomas' great-grandparents. We are so blessed to have them as an active part of our lives. On special occasions I think about this and thank God for His gift of time and relationships. I am so thankful to be loved by Steven's grandparents equally...as if I were born to one of their own children.

Today I was leaving Granny and PawPaw Sessions' house before Steven and the kids. I looked up when I was leaving and there stood Granny at the window waving to me just like she would do for all of her grandchildren. I'm not sure that it surprised me as much as it soothed me...it probably doesn't seem like a big deal to most people. But, Wow! To me, that was such a confirmation of her love for me!

And our sweet Granny Tucker...the Alzheimer's is taking her faster than ever, but I grow to love that woman more and more every time I see her. Not that her words or actions nowdays make her more lovable, sometimes it's quite the contrary, but just the blessing of being in her presence...remembering what it was like to experience the fullness of her love and grace...what an honor and a privilege to be able to serve her now...to keep her company, or bring her dinner...to know that she calls our house if she needs someone quick...my heart aches for the Granny we've already lost, but rejoices for the new ways God has given us to share in a loving relationship with her now. What a tremendous blessing. At Lizzie's wedding shower a couple of weekends ago, we got to see Reny in all her glory again~ when she walked into the room, the same poise, grace, smile, gentle laugh and touch, and witty charm swept over her as she greeted long-time friends and acquaintances and asked about their families. She was the Bell of the Ball...for a brief moment she was shining again in that special way only a lady of her class and caliber can sparkle. And in a flash it was gone. Back to reality and the dull ache of loving and losing...but that's so much better than having never loved her at all.

I'm posting some pictures of the "Greats" with Rachael at her ballet recital this year. The Sessions' are the "Snowcaps"---thus leading my children to refer to her as "The Clean Granny". Granny Tucker has been dubbed "The Real Granny"...don't ask me why, I couldn't tell you! :)