Visiting Grandma

My heart swelled with love

as I saw my Grandma Esther

in her hospital bed.

And then my heart just broke...

Oh, the frailty of the

human body when illness

has assailed it for so long.

We smiled at each other and

I worked my way around the

tubes and machinery to give

her a kiss and a tender hug.

Conversation bordered on impossible

as each attempt brings on an

attack of coughing that rattles

and wears her out.

So we just looked at each other.

Mom, Grandma and Me.

We fixed her pillows.

We gave her tea.

And then when I didn't think

I could hold back the tears

anymore she looked right in

my eyes and said...

"Pray for me!"

I asked if she meant out loud,

right here, right now.

"Yes! Pray for me!"

Well, tears flowed and words

beseeching the Father in behalf

of this dear little lady were

sent forth.

Some time later my Aunt and Uncle

arrived. We were very happy to

see them as they know better how

to sooth Grandma. Her pain was

worse yesterday than it has been

and her breathing more labored.

Aunt Crystal was very concerned.

Finally Grandma fell into a good

sleep so we left her a note and

came "home" for a bite to eat.

Mom, Crystal, my cousin Nate and I

went back later in the evening.

We chatted.

We laughed.

We sang.

Remember?

That is what our family does.

We sing?

What did Grandma do while we sang?

She mouthed the words and lifted

her hands heavenward.

I so wanted to give her a hankie to

wave and to hear her happy whoop.

She was known to get a little blessed

from time to time. 

I remember, as a child, 

my eyes getting big and

being just a bit scared

the first time I ever

witnessed Grandma

"get blessed"

in church.

But the blessing is still in there.

Whether she can whoop or holler or not.

Her eyes said it all.

She loves her Jesus!

And He loves His Esther!