Blessings

The other day my daughter and I went to Church with my parents.  For once she was rather well behaved.  She decided to bring her "baby doll" with her.  I can't remember what she was actually doing with the doll but it made me chuckle and as I was watching her and chuckling I noticed my Dad was giving that roll-of-the-eyes chuckle.  Then my Dad and I met eyes and smiled.

I feel really lucky to have my parents around still.  My Dad is 81 years old and my Mom is 77 - still spring chickens in my eyes!

I am so blessed to have them share in the joy in seeing my kids grow-up.  I'm so happy that my kids will have memories of my parents when they are older.  Although the memories are more along the lines that they serve my kids "candy" and other miscellaneous goodies when my kids visit them.

I remember the day that I was worried that my Dad wouldn't be around to walk me down the aisle.  I use to tease my Dad, telling him that I would mummify him should he go before I ever got married.  That way he'd be preserved to allow me to roll him down the aisle with me.  I'm so glad it never came to that!

Then after I got married, I worried that my kids wouldn't remember their grandparents if they left this world before my kids could register memories.  I know now, my kids will have memories and they cherish the time they spend with my parents.  My son will ask to go to "grandma's house" almost every day.  I'm certain it's not only to see my parents but because they have a stash of gluten free candy for him!

My parents love my kids and enjoy the impromptu visits with open arms - that's something I remember about my own Grandpa.  He always enjoyed a visitor.  You were his guest and he would wait on you, even to the very last day!  My Dad and Mom are much the same.  They will wait on you hand and foot, making you feel special!

I hope that I'll be that kind of Grandparent someday.  I have a long time before that will happen, but I do hope I will be able to pay it forward with my own grandkids.