Meet Dick and Bonnie, a.k.a. Grandpa and Grandma to me.
Grandpa passed away 2 years ago at age 94 and Grandma is still with us, but will only be for a few more days. This week, I need to talk about them.
As our family goes through this time, I realize more and more how many people I love. And, how many wonderful people God has blessed me with. You see, I was not born into this part of my family. My grandparents' oldest daughter is who I call my God-given Mom. She started raising me when I was five and never let go.
With this God-Mom, I inherited Dick and Bonnie as my grandparents. These two loved me like I was their own. I remember going to their cottage and playing in the leaves in their yard during the fall, not raking them, just playing in them, and fishing in the river that ran by their place. I remember family reunions where Grandpa would sit in his chair as family members came to talk to him, but Grandma was the social butterfly and had to make her rounds to talk and laugh with everyone.
I was very fortunate that when my girls were little, they went to Grandma and Grandpa’s after school for them to spoil my kids until I got home from work. So many good memories, I could go on for hours…
One thing I have cherished the most is Grandma’s hugs. This little lady would walk up beside you and she always had to put her arm around your waist to talk to you. I believe she was 5 feet tall, but got shorter over the years, she would look up to you with her sweet smile and tell you how wonderful you are and how much she loves you.
At this point in time, my Grandma can barely respond when you speak to her, I will never hear those words from her again, I only have the memories.
What I ask of you, in honor of my Grandma, tell someone you love them. Tell them now and tell them often. This is a memory I cherish and we need our loved ones to have these memories from us.
Do not feel you have to wait for a special occasion or think you might make the moment awkward or be afraid that someone might not say it back. If you love them, tell them! We all need love in our lives, it is a wonderful feeling to give and receive.
Say I LOVE YOU to someone today!
Sending peace, love and joy to you my friend.
Sam
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