I like mayonnaise on my hamburgers AND my hot dogs.
Canadian Bacon and mushroom pizza is my first choice.
Fresh sea food - oh my yummy tummy.
When I have to deliver serious news...I talk calmly and quietly.
My parents divorced when I was young, both had remarried and I lived in another state when my biological dad was in a boating accident. I was eight. Although separated in a variety of ways, I have always had a strong bond with my dad's family. The above internal habits this week had us all saying, "Me Too!"
My grandpa has been through an incredible health ride since the beginning of May: pneumonia, kidney failure, cellulitis, antibiotic allergies, skilled nursing, more cellulitis, PT units, a horrible fall/facial stitches, blood transfusion, negligent transportation/brain bleed, back to skilled nursing, and this Sunday back in the hospital with MRSA/low kidney function. Intermingled with all this is possible dimentia/medically induced confusion/delirium.
But through it all, I watch God work in amazing and beautiful ways.
My grandparents have been married for 64 years. I watch my grandma grab her walker or cane and take care of every need that she possible can. She wipes his eyes, scratches his head, rubs his ears, feeds him what little we can get him to eat, wipes the corners of his mouth, covers him up. It is the MOST precious thing that God has allowed me to part of. It feeds my soul to witness such love and I am beyond honored to be their grand-daughter.
I mentioned a few blogs ago, that my grandpa was able to regain some memory and pray over our lunch. As it is very hard to get grandma to leave his side, I elevatored down to the cafeteria to grab her and me some lunch Monday to bring up to the room, and waited for her to pray over our meal. (This is where I discovered where my Mayo addiction comes from). She grabbed my hands and said, "You go child". And God provided the most beautiful words and we were both dripping tears over a burger, salad, and fries.
Later as we were both being strong women as the kidney doctor gave us the run-down, I look up at his assistant and she is holding back rims of tears...so being the contagious crier that I am, the flood gates open, then there goes grandma. She of course said she was fine until I got going, so I blamed the helper because I was fine until she got going - laughter through tears is so cleansing.
My uncle called and I gave the doctor's report. My other uncle called up to get clarification, then a cousin, and an aunt. The first uncle walked into the room later and said "I get real quiet when I am serious, so I knew when you got quiet it was serious". Oh wow...Me Too! So...a little history on the pizza. When I was pregnant with my oldest my uncles came to visit us and my husband called in pizza and asked what they wanted...in unison they said Canadian Bacon and Mushroom. My husband had stunned silence and we looked at each other wide-eyed as my pizza of choice was exactly that.
I have listened to Sirius XM the Message on the hour drive to and from the hospital the past couple of days. There have been a few tears, but mostly y'all, I am rocking the one-man praise and worship band in my little Juke. God is sending all my favorites and I am returning them to Him at the top of my off-key lungs.
All that comes to me is...What A Blessing! To be a part of this life, this family, this faith. My grandpa is the one that dropped me off at Sunday School when I was a tiny thing. To be able to hold his hand, make sure he is warm, and pray over him is overwhelming and such a testament to the circle of life. He had a moment of clarity yesterday, called me "shorty", and then told me that I had gotten about an inch shorter. Through all his body is putting him through, he can light up the room with his ornery smile and asks all the new nurses where they go to church.
Isaiah 46:4 Even in your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
Psalm 71:18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.
artflakes.com
My grandparents have always argued over who will get go to see my dad first, and while we will never know why the suffering of the past few months has been allowed, one day we will all celebrate together, and frankly, I don't think "the why" will even be an issue at that point!
Right now we are all trying to discern the lesson, fellowshipping every-other-week in a hospital room, and realizing that there is more to mayo and pizza that meets the eye!
Thank You Lord that you are bringing our family together, for laughs and tears, deep conversations of faith and raising kids, light-hearted talks of food and mannerisms, for the strength You are giving my grandma and the smile that You share with grandpa. Thank You for sending healthcare workers that will cry with us. Help all of us to seek Your joy and blessing through every single moment that we are given and forgive us when we question Your ways. In Your Holy Name...Amen.
