Grandchildren, and Misc

I’m blessed with 52 grandchildren and 5 greats. I love little babies and I couldn’t wait to hold them when they were born one by one. I love to watch toddlers as they discover new things getting into everything in site and some things not in site. Then the terrible twos, and when they begin to talk. They say the cutest things. They start school; first thing you know they are graduating, from grade school to high school, etc.
I was so busy when my own were young and I was with them all the time and every stage just seemed natural. It’s somehow is different watching the grandchildren. Not being with them all the time, I am pleasantly surprised when I see the difference for one visit to the next. I just get used to their first smile and they begin to walk. They learn to talk and then they go to school. Then comes one graduation after the other. Soon there are weddings. Then there are great-grandchildren,
What I find interesting now is watching them become their own person. The grand’s and greats arrange in ages 4 mo’s to nearly 30.
God has blessed me beyond measure. So far most all the older ones have given their heart to the Lord and want to live for Him. I only pray that it will continue. But there are a couple that has broken our hearts by not serving God in a manner that shows. I know it breaks my heart when I see children go out in the big world by themselves, and wonder around like a little lost child. My heart aches along with every mom that aches for her children. Some of my own had a hard time finding where they belonged in the world. Praise God all came back. So, Moms don’t give up.
Four of the grandchildren are married now and I have great-grandchildren. I’ll love to watch them grow. I had my babies and my babies had their babies and now my babies, babies are having babies. Life goes on. (At a terrific rate of speed)
I don’t know why I’m thinking about it now. It might be because I just learned that one of the grandson’s is going to Belize for three weeks, he’s visiting a mission down there with a friend. Another is going this spring to Mexico to help with a mission, and still another is leaving soon to a foreign country to help with a mission project. It just thrills me to hear about their adventures when they come home. It blesses my heart to know that they are working for God. Maybe it is because I wish I was able to do those things myself, at any rate, my mind is on my grandchildren as you can tell. I didn’t tell you my one granddaughter is getting married in April. O, my I can’t keep up.
On a different subject, it is time for us to go to Pennsylvania again.
I think, I dread the trip, I don’t know, I don’t have many feelings either way. I guess after going about 30 times in the last 10 years it has become my life. I know the route by heart, and since I get the job of co-pilot I know my atlas quite well. I love maps. I have a map of every state in America and lots of maps of hiking trails. With all my pictures I can take a trip in my living room J And O, the memories.
One time we took pictures of the bridges of Madison Co, Iowa, and as the story goes, “I” found a love note tucked between the boards. So I guess I’m not the only one that has an imagination. I’ll put the note in a scrapbook sometime.
I remember the cruise we took on the inside passage to Alaska, the storm at sea, as I looked over the edge of the boat in the back and seen the waves storming about I couldn’t help but think about Jesus when he calmed the storm at sea. Also the song that says “He Is The Master of the Wind” ‘Twas beautiful that night, but just as I got inside the ship there was an announcement made, “No one outside” The ship was rolling and pitching but all ended well, except poor Pop got sea sick and as far as he was concerned the ship went round and round.
I got to fly to Hawaii with a friend and we had so much fun. We flew to a different island each morning. Her uncle was district court judge on Maui and he took us one morning to the biggest brunch I have ever seen.
We manage to get the rental car stuck on the beach, but the islanders graciously helped us out. I could go on and on but I think I’d better be kind to my readers if I have any left since I am rambling on and on.
One more story, since you all seem to enjoy a “Pop” story. We were traveling in the New England states one fall, my granddaughter was with us. It seemed like everything had “Maple” attached to it in some way. I remember one evening Pop and Cyndie went into a store to pick up a few groceries. Those that know “Pop” know that he like pop. And as he got to the check-out he seen a big wooden tub and in it were bottles of “Maple Porter” marked 3 for $1.00. (Also Pop like sales) so he bought 3. When he got back to the Motor Home, before I pot them in the refrigerator, I read the contents, they contained alcohol, I told Cyndie but we didn’t tell Pop. L After awhile we decided it was time for a taste, I sat three glasses on the table and poured them full. Cyndie and I didn’t drink ours but Pop took a sip. He made a surprised scowl and remarked “that stuff is rotten, what’s wrong with it” by that time Cyndie and were laughing quiet heartily. The rest went down the drain. That was over 10 years ago and we still laugh at him today. Poor Pop not only did he by alcohol, but he bought it when a minor was with him. The good news is I didn’t have to visit him in jail.J
On a more serious note, Sunday was Easter Sunday and I am so glad “He Arose” What does the empty tomb mean to you? I think it’s all said in the words of a song “Because the Tomb is Empty, My Life is Full”
And I leave you with a “Good Friday “ poem……………
Perhaps the day was gauzed with mist.
Perhaps the air was light.
Perhaps the rain fell trembling down,
Before that life took flight,
We know that for three lonely hours,
The day was stunned to night.
Perhaps the soul is clothed in gold.
Perhaps its veil is grief.
Perhaps its fog has lingered low,
Defying minds belief.
Each heart must know its hour of dark.
Before the Light’s relief.
Sheila J. Petre