Cherish

I have been reminded over the last few weeks of the importance of appreciating every day and all of the moments that make up those days with children & family. With that in mind, my goal is to try to forget all of those nagging items on my list and live in the moment. The girls have been "helping" me do this this summer. Whenever we go on a walk, Aliyah always begs for a detour over to see her great-grandma. She does this even if she has already seen grandma that day. For me, I don't always feel like we have extra time to go visiting. This summer we have stopped by more than ever and I'm glad.

Aliyah and her great-grandma (my grandma) share a special bond that goes back to when she was a baby. Great-grandma has the gift of time to give. When I say time, I mean time to devote to listening to endless non-sense at times and time to watch the girls play outside, time to fix the requested food, time to play games, and just about anything they would request. It's a gift that I'll admit, I don't always have. For the last 8 years, Aliyah has had the unique opportunity due to being homeschooled of spending at least a couple of days a week with great-grandma. Given the choice of going somewhere with us (out to eat or shopping or whatever) or staying at grandma's, she would always choose to go to great-grandma's.

She has really missed going to grandma's these last few weeks and has enjoyed the times where she can visit her. She has endless things to say and talk about and grandma has time to listen. So, last night when my mom told me that grandma had some bad news from the doctor, this hit me even harder just because of that special bond they share. I didn't tell Aliyah about the news, but just asked her to continue to pray that grandma gets better. With that child-like faith, she continues to pray and fully believes that she will be better.

Fortunately, the oncologists report was very optimistic that age would get the best of her before this particular cancer. That is wonderful news absolutely! It certainly doesn't change the reminder that we have been served of living and enjoying each day with the loved ones. Aliyah will have memories to last a lifetime of the time that great grandma spent with her, and I want her to continue to enjoy those. You see, it is good for both of them. Aliyah is big on family. Everything to her is family. She makes toys into families and her big wish is to have all of her grandparents at her parties etc...Unfortunately, due to age and health limitations, that isn't possible. I love that about her heart. I love that our girls have been gifted with the rare gift of great-grandparents that they can spend time with. I've just been reminded to love each day for what it is and who it can't be spent with. TV doesn't matter, chores not so much, and whatever else...cherish the time that has been given before it is gone!