Monday, June 14, 2010

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!
Photobucket

15 comments:

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

What a precious visit you have had.

I'm praying for your Grandma.

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Big hugs being sent your way Becky. Family is everything!
♥, Susan

Carol said...

I'm praying for Esther and your entire family. I know from experience how difficult this is. It is so amazing how God covers you with strength and love during a time like this.

Blessings & Hugs,
Carol

Melissa G said...

You write so beautifully. I'm sure your grandma wasn't the only one blessed to hear you sing in the hospital. All those around you in the hospital probably liked it too!
I'll be praying for your grandma and family.

Barb said...

Your post is so touching, Becky. Please know that I am praying for your grandmother.

Dear God....she is asking. Relieve this pain.

Barb ♥

Vee said...

Oh that sounds like a blessed time and how wonderful to know that your grandmother is tucked so tenderly into God's hand. I read Our Daily Bread this morning and am thinking of you now. It was all about "Tell Me the Old, Old Story." Blessings to you all...

Karen said...

What a beautiful, bittersweet post. You made me cry.

This visit sounds like such a blessing to both you and your grandma. I'm so glad you had the opportunity to visit, and that she was improved enough to visit with you, too, even if it wasn't the same as it used to be.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, Becky! This really brought tears to my eyes. What joy to be a Christian and have that blessed assurance that even in the worst of situations, we have HIM and we have Him for eternity! I definitely think that is worth whooping about!

My mother and grandmother along with Daddy and all the rest of my older relatives have gone on ahead, and I have the assurance that I will see them again. I wouldn't give anything for that knowledge and for the understanding that home for all of us is truly ahead. Yes, I love Jesus, too, and I thank God daily for his sacrifice that made it possible for us to have eternal life. Hallelujah! I hope you can see me doing a happy dance!

Prayers to your precious grandmother and hugs to you...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Bee said...

You cause me to have many emotions.
We will keep you and your family in prayer.
I cried as I read about her pain.
I smiled as I read about the hanky and the whoop.
I've been around people that get "blessed" as they praise. I like them.
I've been prayed for by people with "annointed" hankies. Acts 19:12

LV said...

A lovely and emotional tribute to your grandma. May the good Lord give you peace in the days to follow.

SmilingSally said...

Ah Becky, what sweet memories you have of your Grandma loving Jesus. It sounds as if she'll be with him soon. Your visit and prayer was special for her, I'm sure.

Tracy said...

Becky, I'm so glad you had a lovely visit. Hugs and prayers for your family.

Kelly said...

I'm so glad you could have this time with your grandma and other family members. Your grandma sounds like a very Godly lady and you can rest assured that she is in His hands.

Elena said...

I am so glad that you were able to visit your grandma. What a sweet post this was. I am so sorry that your grandma is so ill and has so much discomfort. Bless her heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I'm happy that you were able to visit your grandma. Thinking of you in this time of need.