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The Importance of Grandparents
By mstrohm | April 20, 2008
It was another busy morning in the life of the Strohm family. At that time in our lives my wife, four children and I moved out of our three bedroom home into a 5 bedroom one and added my wife Ellen’s parents and grandmother to the household.
This particular daybreak the house was filled with bodies in motion. Everyone had morning duties in an effort to get ready for the day. Everyone that is except for the youngest and the oldest in the house. Abigail, our preschool child had a habit of wanting to be held each morning, or as she would ask “will you snuggle with me?” Typically she was up early enough for someone to sit and hold her, but this morning most members of the family were too busy.
One by one Abby approached each member of the house. Her mom, myself, her granny, her grandfather, even her two sisters and brother! One by one each person told her they simply did not have time to snuggle with her. As people eventually came to rest for a few moments around the breakfast table someone asked where Abby was. Each had mentioned that she was looking for attention, but none of us had time to give it to her. It was then we noticed the door of the first floor bedroom was opened.
Ellen’s grandmother Ruthie has suffered from three major strokes. She was bedridden and while she could speak it could be difficult to have a cohesive conversation with her. By the world’s standards time had passed her by. Her value to society was over. She did not earn money, could not help with the children. In fact it took considerable effort to take care of Ruthie! But this morning was different!
With great curiosity I got up and went into Ruthie’s room. There was Abby and Ruthie. Ruthie was laying on her back looking straight ahead like she often did. Abby had crawled into bed with her, Abby’s head on Ruthie’s shoulder, Abby’s arms wrapped around Ruthie’s arm, Abby slowly stroking her hand.
“Your so soft!” Abby exclaimed.
“Your so sweet!” Ruthie called back.
There they were, two precious people meeting each others needs! Neither too busy for the other. Both with great value to each other and to God.
Thanks Grandparents for being there when needed!
Thanks for accepting your grandchildren for who they are.
Thanks for understand life from a long term perspective and reminding your children what is important in the life of your grandchildren.
Thanks for looking deep into the eyes of these precious kids and just listening.
Thanks for not being too busy to snuggle once in a while.
Mark Strohm, Jr.
Topics: From Mark | 1 Comment »
May 13th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Funny. I just wrote about how great is for my kids to be loved by their extended family and how important it is for the to be in their lives, then I found your post:)