...there was a nice older gentleman and a lovely mature lady who were just a little lonely and had lots of life ahead of them. They had each struggled through some tough times in their pasts but wanted to find just the right someone to share the future with. So they each set out on a quest and before long, in the most unconventional way, they found one another. After a brief courtship, they got married and began an exciting life together. They had not always lived their lives for Christ but now they were and wanted to live the remainder of their lives honoring Him. That lady was my mother and that gentleman is Bob. Aren't they adorable!? No, he's not my dad but he's been a part of my life for a lot longer than my father ever was...going on seventeen years now.
They enjoyed their time together gardening, raising dogs, reading, traveling, working puzzles and visiting their many grandchildren. She was quite the photographer. They enjoyed their church and she even sang in the choir. They worked some but still made time to have the grand kids over, two at a time, for weekend sleepovers now and then. They also made a practice, for many years of taking all the kids to a Christmas movie on Thanksgiving afternoon, since Dad was usually at work. Nonnie (that's how my mother is known to her grand kids) would knit for them, making sweaters, scarves and special hats with the boys' names on them. Their lives had not been easy before they met and as things go, they had their share of difficulty afterward, too. Grandpa can be a contentious old fella, and my mother has learned over the years to just let him go on about whatever he's miffed about today. He may be a challenge sometimes but she loves him, we know he loves her, and for that we all love him. We usually just smile and let him go on, too.
They moved to Arkansas thinking it would be a nice place to retire only to find, after a short time, that Nonnie's health was failing. They returned to Texas to be nearer family and better medical care. Over the years they have settled into a comfortable pace, marked by many doctor visits, elimination of their jobs and other activities in favor of matching recliners, more word puzzles, reading and television. Going to church has been dropped from the routine as well. It is just so much trouble for them to get there. Nonnie still knits but not as much anymore. The kids are all grown so sleepovers and movie dates have fallen away. They visit us when they can and we make the occasional visit to see them. They have two cute little lap dogs to keep them company as well as a parakeet. Life has slowed down and they have become the prayer warriors of the family. I get a call about every week asking for updates for their prayer list. Each child's needs are listed and I know they spend a great deal of time praying for every member of this ever growing family. At our last big get together, Nonnie gave each child a little card with her e-mail address and phone number and called it Nonnie's prayer hot line.
About a year ago, Grandpa was diagnosed with cancer. He has undergone two grueling rounds of chemotherapy and six weeks of daily radiation treatments. He had a PET scan this week to ensure that the treatments had done their job. Not only have they not eliminated his cancer, it is worse. He called to let me know today and to ask us to pray. Cancer is not his only medical challenge.
I am sad for them. Sad that after all these years they have found happiness with each other and with God and that they are suffering so in this season of life. Their bodies are just not serving them well anymore. I don't know how much more Grandpa can take and he is the stronger one. I know they must be frightened. We have noticed him being more sensitive, even tender lately, saying things he wanted to be sure to say. He reconciled with his estranged children and has begun finding new homes for his treasured possessions. I worry about my mother. She has never done 'alone' very well. We bought this house understanding we may need to care for an aging parent one day. I did not think it would be anytime soon. I hope I'm wrong, that the doctors are wrong and that Grandpa has many good years left, years to be spent with my sweet mom by his side.
But that's not the end of the story...we won't know what that looks like for a little while. What we do know and that bears telling is that these two weary souls, while coming to an end of this earthly life, have made sure of the future life waiting for them. They have come to saving faith in Christ and rely on Him. No matter what the outcome is, next week, next month or next year, their eternal future is secure. I am glad they found one another, and that they are both walking with God for it is then that we can say....
They enjoyed their time together gardening, raising dogs, reading, traveling, working puzzles and visiting their many grandchildren. She was quite the photographer. They enjoyed their church and she even sang in the choir. They worked some but still made time to have the grand kids over, two at a time, for weekend sleepovers now and then. They also made a practice, for many years of taking all the kids to a Christmas movie on Thanksgiving afternoon, since Dad was usually at work. Nonnie (that's how my mother is known to her grand kids) would knit for them, making sweaters, scarves and special hats with the boys' names on them. Their lives had not been easy before they met and as things go, they had their share of difficulty afterward, too. Grandpa can be a contentious old fella, and my mother has learned over the years to just let him go on about whatever he's miffed about today. He may be a challenge sometimes but she loves him, we know he loves her, and for that we all love him. We usually just smile and let him go on, too.
They moved to Arkansas thinking it would be a nice place to retire only to find, after a short time, that Nonnie's health was failing. They returned to Texas to be nearer family and better medical care. Over the years they have settled into a comfortable pace, marked by many doctor visits, elimination of their jobs and other activities in favor of matching recliners, more word puzzles, reading and television. Going to church has been dropped from the routine as well. It is just so much trouble for them to get there. Nonnie still knits but not as much anymore. The kids are all grown so sleepovers and movie dates have fallen away. They visit us when they can and we make the occasional visit to see them. They have two cute little lap dogs to keep them company as well as a parakeet. Life has slowed down and they have become the prayer warriors of the family. I get a call about every week asking for updates for their prayer list. Each child's needs are listed and I know they spend a great deal of time praying for every member of this ever growing family. At our last big get together, Nonnie gave each child a little card with her e-mail address and phone number and called it Nonnie's prayer hot line.
About a year ago, Grandpa was diagnosed with cancer. He has undergone two grueling rounds of chemotherapy and six weeks of daily radiation treatments. He had a PET scan this week to ensure that the treatments had done their job. Not only have they not eliminated his cancer, it is worse. He called to let me know today and to ask us to pray. Cancer is not his only medical challenge.
I am sad for them. Sad that after all these years they have found happiness with each other and with God and that they are suffering so in this season of life. Their bodies are just not serving them well anymore. I don't know how much more Grandpa can take and he is the stronger one. I know they must be frightened. We have noticed him being more sensitive, even tender lately, saying things he wanted to be sure to say. He reconciled with his estranged children and has begun finding new homes for his treasured possessions. I worry about my mother. She has never done 'alone' very well. We bought this house understanding we may need to care for an aging parent one day. I did not think it would be anytime soon. I hope I'm wrong, that the doctors are wrong and that Grandpa has many good years left, years to be spent with my sweet mom by his side.
But that's not the end of the story...we won't know what that looks like for a little while. What we do know and that bears telling is that these two weary souls, while coming to an end of this earthly life, have made sure of the future life waiting for them. They have come to saving faith in Christ and rely on Him. No matter what the outcome is, next week, next month or next year, their eternal future is secure. I am glad they found one another, and that they are both walking with God for it is then that we can say....
They lived happily ever after!
Tlk about tear jerker! I was reading this out loud to Ryan thinking "Oh how sweet!" And stopped to bawl like three freaking times! So many memories from my childhood that I had forgotten! Remember the blue and white doll house Grandpa Bob (Oh! I mean SANTA) have us that one Christmas! I loved that thing! And watching Puppies be born and feeding ducks and being at flower parks!
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Wonderful post Mama! ND great PICS! ;)
Yes, I remembered some of those things, too, after I finished. I also remembered the trips to Bastrop State Park. And she took pictures of you all in the bluebonnets on several occasions. Remember Nonnie sitting on the floor playing video games with the boys? And that they were a part of all five wedding, even driving (with their doggies!) to Montana for Joe and Sara's. Just too much to do justice to in a blog post. Glad you plan to write...it will really be a blessing.
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