Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Of all.

We received a lot of really nice gifts for Christmas. Things that I will truly enjoy. But the best gift of all didn't have a price tag and wasn't purchased at a store. It was from my 83 year-old grandmother; she just didn't know it at the time. While visiting her home on Christmas Eve, we enjoyed a nice Polish meal and began to open gifts. I crossed the room for some reason and noticed a picture frame sitting next to her television. The frame said, "Families are forever" and inside were some things to remember Olivia by: a card that we had given out at her funeral, tiny hand-cut angels, Olivia's footprints hand-cut out of a memory card. My grandma has been suffering from arthritis for God-only-knows how long and for some time now is either unable to do the things she loves, like knitting, crocheting, and sewing and has taken to wearing hand/wrist support gloves for most of the time. I can only imagine the time and (possible) pain that she had to endure to hand-cut all these little decorations and the love that such sacrifice requires. In that very moment, I was nearly reduced to a puddle just thinking about it. And then she proudly declared,

"Olivia is still a part of our family."

And to my husband she whispered under her breath,

"She is waiting for me."

And that made the best Christmas memory of all.

8 comments:

Expressions by Heather said...

That is a true blessing, and a testament to how loving your entire family is.

Stephanie said...

Sitting in a puddle right now.
that sweet Olivia has touched so many lives.

Jeana said...

That is just beautiful, what a wonderful grandma. Sounds like the best Christmas gift ever! and families are forever.:)

Anonymous said...

Your grandmother is a real treasure. I wish with all my heart my grandmother and grandfather were still here on earth with me; I know I will see them again, I am a woman of faith, but even after 20 years I miss them with my whole heart. What a blessing it is to have grandparents.
I am sorry for the loss of your daughter. Blessings Roxie

Peaceful Chaoz said...

Truly Beautiful

Andrea said...

That is so sweet! what a wonderful Grandma!

Ebe said...

This is beautiful. What a wonderful gift.

Anonymous said...

Oh Rebecca! What a beautiful gift your grandmother is to you! Your grandmother has Blessed me with her love of Olivia! This has just lifted my heart so much....just what I needed the most right now. I know Olivia and David are playing in Heaven's playground.
Love to you! :0)

Ginger