Streams of Mercy

I received a Valentine Box in the mail today from my five-year old great grandson, addressed “To the Best Grammy” and wrapped in rainbow paper with red stickers scattered all over and clear plastic tape sealing and securing everything for mailing.

The card had his name and mine, written in his finest pre-school hand , and the gifts were carefully chosen: a cat because you are Purr-fect; socks to feel like a warm hug; a rainbow because you brighten the rainy days; Chocolate cherries because I “cherry” about you a lot; a butterfly because you make my heart flutter! The objects were things he knows I love; the words, I’m sure were a joint effort with his thoughtful Mom. A very special valentine gift from a very special little boy, and I gave thanks for the gift of his love in my life.

I often think how blessed I am to enjoy a great-grandson! The many experiences we’re shared have brought great joy to my life and I count him as one of my greatest blessings. From lunches at “Chikolay” to trips to zoos and farms; from wading in streams to climbing trees and feeding the birds and putting corn out for the squirrels; to sharing school programs and community fairs; from coloring my sidewalk and steps with chalk, to playing games, watching movies and doing art projects and baking cookies and picking blueberries - life with this little fellow is a great adventure.

My great-grandparents would hold me on their laps, and share sweet hugs and kisses, and tell me stories, but we never played or traveled about together. I was always told to be gentle with them and not run and make noise when we visited. How grateful I am to be able to have shared so much of this young life, and how I treasure each moment we have together.

It’s been said that “grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation.” Great-grandchildren do even more connecting! After we’ve grown up and raised our own children, it can be hard to remember the simple joys of childhood we used to know. Having grandchildren is a great reminder of that joy! Having great grandchildren is an even greater reminder of that joy!

Elizabeth