“She raised children, practiced hospitality, and helped those in need." ~ Timothy 5:10
After Kenzie’s parents died, their
grandma Nan took them in. The transition
hadn’t been easy for the three children, but eventually, things settled in.
Nan was strict, believing in the “iron hand in a velvet
glove,” and made sure they learned and practiced their Christian faith by her
example. She wasn’t a tactile person but
knew how to show her affection by cozying up with them to escape into a good
book before bedtime. Stories were
shared, laughter perfected, and memories were made.
Kenzie’s favorite book, “A
Fly Went By” written by Mike McClintock, was part of the Beginner Books series
edited by Dr. Seuss. It wove a delightful
tale about encouraging us when problems arise.
Nearing fifty now (50), with grown kids of her own, Kenzie
couldn’t remember passing through a single phase of her life without Grandma Nan.
A photo album showing pictures of Grandma
braiding her hair before school each day reflected the tight bond between them.
Kenzie, of course, believed she was Grandma’s favorite. As she sipped her morning coffee, she thought
about Nan and the many happy adventures they’d enjoyed. Grandma was funny and active. They often sang songs and invented stories.
Yet, “A Fly Went By” never became part of her
personal collection. It had become such
a sacred thing between them that Kenzie never bought her own copy. It was something only to be shared only at Grandma's
house.
Remarkably Nan (91) is still living, mobile and independent.
Now her only relatives are those she
had herself produced. That speaks to her
resilience. The day will come when the
memories of her wisdom and presence will be all that remains. Kenzie prayed that she could carry on her Grandma’s
legacy as well as she’d lived it.
One day a thin, pristine package arrived in the mail, looking
to the rest of the world as any other.
Yet the handwriting was clearly her grandmother’s. Kenzie’s heart leaped for joy, holding it to her
breast as if the ink carried Nan’s smile.
She tore it open immediately.
Inside she found the original, time-worn copy of Grandma’s “A
Fly Went By,” with a heartfelt note.
“Please take care of this for me,” it began, “so that you can read it to
me when I get old.”
It’s a short walk from infancy to old age, so enjoy the whole journey.
Father God, bless our grandparents with long
life, happiness, and health. May they
remain constant in Your love and be living signs of Your presence to their
children and grandchildren. We ask this
through Christ our Lord. Amen
