Blessings

Since losing my Dad and step-mom in the past two months, I have felt really “off.” Right after Helen’s funeral Nate and I headed down to Arkansas for a little “therapy.” Being with the grandchildren was just what I needed.

I spent a lot of time coloring and talking with June Beth.

June Beth and I also spent some time outside; the weather was beautiful while we were there. On discovering a pretty rock outside, she said, “Do rocks die?” I said, “No rocks don’t die.” She said, “But people do.” I said, “Yes, people do.” She said, “I wish I was a rock.” I had to hide a tear. I think sometimes we don’t realize how much the little ones are affected by the death of a loved one.

Holland (who just turned 8) had a little crying meltdown the night of my Dad’s memorial. All of the other kids were asleep at the hotel when she started to cry. When my son and daughter-in-law checked on her (through tears) she said, “Everyone is asleep and no one is praying for Papaw Gene.” My son also told me that sometime during all this she also was worried about Papaw Gene not getting to come to her birthday party. My son couldn’t understand why she would have said that. It made perfect sense to me; her birthday is about the biggest thing that happens in her life. Papaw Gene would never get to share it with her again. What a sensitive little sweetie.

Our newest grandchild was born last July and named after my Dad—Asa Gene.

What a wonderful blessing it is to have grandchildren.