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Friday, August 24, 2012

A Reason To Smile





BFF 220 :  A Reason To Smile

The last thing I wanted was to fall in love with her.  I just knew it was going to lead to trouble.  She would leave and my heart would be broken.

I was in Kalkaska with a couple of friends when I got the news, I was out of town with friends.  I was filled with mixed emotions.  I wanted her to “stew” for another week.  Just leave things alone, everything will happen in its proper time.

Bob sent me a text and left me a voice message.  She came in the middle of the night.  She came, knowing full well her plan.  She emerged  with stealth to steal our hearts.

She is our fourth grandchild.  A special needs child, who may undergo surgery in the next few days. I didn’t want to love her until I knew everything would be alright.  But really, there are no guarantees. So, why wait?  As I touched her tiny leg, the tears of joy ran down my face.  I fell in love against my will and smiled with tears.

You ask for a reason to smile.  Depends on the smile.  There is a difference in smiles and the intent behind them.  My eyes fill with tears of joy and tenderness when I smile about my grandchildren.  My shoulders straighten and my head tilts upward when I smile about my children.  My eyes fill with loyalty and care when I smile for my family. My head tilts and my thoughts drift to younger days when I smile for my friends. 
Smiling with patience, I tend to lose my lips….it is more of the pursed look I remember seeing on my grandmother when I was too loud.  I see the grass grow and I smirk a knowing smile.  I watch the neighborhood children grow and I purse my lips, knowing they are learning too.

I raise my face to the sun, and smile a broad grin, in the warm months.  Bracing myself against the winds of Autumn, I smile inward knowing the coldest months are yet to come.

Life makes me smile, for I would much rather have laughter lines than frown lines.  People make me smile for the inane juvenile actions.  Smiling, laughter, joy and happiness are all the attributes which make life worth living.  It amazes me the number of people who choose, on a daily basis, not to be happy and smile.

With four beautiful grandchildren, how can anyone refrain from smiling?  Hugs and laughter are the true manna for the soul.

leigh

12 comments:

  1. Perfect Leigh, so well done and I know exactly what you mean. Thanks, Velda

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    1. Thank you Ms. Velda! I think when I look at those four little ones, my heart grows.

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  2. They're all lucky to have you as such a loving Gramma!

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    1. Thank you! They really are the best thing in life!

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  3. What a vivid, beautiful account of your love for your grandchildren. For a moment, I felt wrapped up up next to your heart. Excellent piece.

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    1. Grandchildren make every sacrifice, heartbreak and battle worthwhile. Thank you so much for traveling with me.

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  4. You didn't want to love her. I think that is so common when a special need is found before birth. If things don't go. Well and the baby can't stay it will hurt less if we haven't invested. You forgot though that your child already was invested and you, my friend, we're invested and hooked from day one.
    Beautiful write. My favorite of all so far.
    I love you both and wish Riley all God's blessings.

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  5. It's so true. We love unconditionally. Your grandchildren are beautiful.

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  6. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. My grandchildren make my life worthwhile!

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  7. Such beautiful grandchildren you have... I said a prayer for your newest.

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