Amazing Grace

My daughter and granddaughter flew out from Utah to celebrate my birthday. What a blessing to have a dear, precious granddaughter. She is truly the light of my life. I loved being able to cuddle her little body and buy her cute clothes. I prayed with her, blessed her, fed her, changed her, bathed her, and talked to her. She is a smiley, happy baby. A precious, priceless gift.

Then as soon as they left, my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson arrived. Another precious little family, and in the spring they will be having a new baby! Two years in a row I have received news of an impending birth for my own birthday. I am so excited!

My little grandson is a beautiful child. He was the world's most adorable scarecrow for Halloween, and my husband and his parents took him Trick or Treating for the first time. I stayed home and sat on my porch, jack-o'-lanterns glowing, and passed out candy to the kids coming to our door. I was content and happy to sit there and just enjoy the moment. I love Halloween, and especially love having a grandchild to share it with.

We miss our children a lot. I wish with all my heart that they lived nearby so we could be a part of each other's lives more often. I want my grandchildren to know me well, share my everyday life, and be close. My parents sacrificed that; both my sister and I moved far away and they were busy with their own lives and work. I don't want that. I want to share my faith and my hobbies and my chores with my precious grandchildren. I want them to spontaneously call me and look to me for help, support, and love. I want them to know without a doubt that I love them more than life itself.

Now we are getting ready for the holiday season. I have had fun selecting gifts for my family, and it's time to wrap and send them out. We are safe and secure in our home. We have good friends and loved ones to care for us. We have little grandchildren to again share the wonder of Christmas, and a sweet dog to add some liveliness (and scratched floors) to our home. What amazing grace.