Wednesday, November 21, 2007

My dearest God,

It was a command performance. My granddaughter Gabrielle had invited me to come to Grandparents Day at her school. I had a conflict that I had to work out first. Finally I was able to say yes.

We arrived on time and I ran on ahead. Didn't want to miss that first sight of my seven year old grandchild. I made my visitor badge, then found a seat in the gym. My husband joined me. We were all there. Paternal grandparents and great grandmother. Maternal grandparents.

I didn't see Gabrielle when she first came in. When I spotted her, I waved. She raised her hand the tiniest bit, didn't want to embarrass herself.

They whole second class sang a wonderful program. When it was time to go get our grandchild to go for breakfast of coffee, juice and muffin, I jumped up first, and walked ahead of the bunch. I wanted to run toward her like we usually do with our arms out toward one another. "Gabrielle." I would cry out. "Grandma." She would respond right back. Then we would run into each other's arms. But not today. Too many peers watching.

Gabrielle lead us on a tour of the school after breakfast. With her young friend beside her whose grandparents could not come, she showed me (us) turkeys on the wall, healthy food posters, pictures, drawings, art work, a picture of her with her reading buddies. When we got into her class, she passed out a booklet she had made for each of her grandparents. Then she read a poem.

When the teacher told us the program was over, Gabrielle walked up to her teacher and told her she wished we could stay all day. Of course, she gently told her they had work to do in school and that we needed to leave until the next time. I hugged and squeezed that little girl as much as she would let me in front of all her friends. Then we left.

I remember the day she was born. Her mama labored hard to give her birth, almost dying. She bled so much. Gabrielle was crying in her little bed when I entered the room. I could see my daughter was nearly out of it. And so I went to my little grandchild and placed my pinkie finger in her mouth. That was all she needed. She sucked the life right out of that little finger while I sang, "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when..."

That was seven years ago. I'm watching Gabrielle grow in so many ways. I know one day she'll be really embarrassed to see me when she's with her friends. And I'm sure she'll say "Grandma!", nearly dying that I would want to hug and squeeze her in front of friends.

We have a very special relationship. And as she grows I know the relationship will change as she matures and becomes a grown woman with a family all her own. So I'm savoring these moments, every one of them, remembering what special gifts they are.

Heavenly Father,
thank you for grandchildren.
Grandchildren to love,
to hug and squeeze,
tickle and tease.
Thank you for grandchildren
who love you right back.

Love, Andrea