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
Perfect Leigh, so well done and I know exactly what you mean. Thanks, Velda
ReplyDeleteThank you Ms. Velda! I think when I look at those four little ones, my heart grows.
DeleteThey're all lucky to have you as such a loving Gramma!
ReplyDeleteThank you! They really are the best thing in life!
DeleteWhat a vivid, beautiful account of your love for your grandchildren. For a moment, I felt wrapped up up next to your heart. Excellent piece.
ReplyDeleteGrandchildren make every sacrifice, heartbreak and battle worthwhile. Thank you so much for traveling with me.
DeleteYou 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.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful write. My favorite of all so far.
I love you both and wish Riley all God's blessings.
Wiping tears...thank you so much. So true!
DeleteIt's so true. We love unconditionally. Your grandchildren are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to read my story. My grandchildren make my life worthwhile!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful grandchildren you have... I said a prayer for your newest.
ReplyDeleteYou are so kind. Thank you.
Delete