We spent the weekend celebrating Thanksgiving at my grandparents' house. Grandma and Grandpa are in their 80s and still going strong, living in their home of 20-odd years. Grandma still cooks amazing meals and generally does all the cleaning and taking care of Grandpa. Grandpa eats her good meals and sits in his chair in the living room while he reads, prays, watches TV, and naps. When we visit, we play Pinochle with Grandpa. His mind is still sharp, though he often has to be reminded of what "trump" is.
I've been struck, the last couple of times we've gone down to see them, by how much my daughter and my grandparents have in common. I know it's been said before, but it is really amazing to see in person: erratic sleeping patterns, daytime naps, waking up at 3am, frequent doctor visits, needing help to walk. In general things take longer to do (cooking, cleaning up) and both have trouble completely articulating their thoughts. Yet while my daughter grows in her abilities, my grandparents' bodies take the toll of aging.
Caught in between, I find that spending time with all of my family members is precious. I am grateful that all of us are believers, for when God chooses to call one of us Home, we will not be saying goodbye forever, but only for a time.
In the meantime, my new baby brings joy, and my elderly loved ones help keep this life in perspective.