As we anxiously await the arrival of our third grandchild, I
am filled with thoughts of the people who are watching all of us from heaven’s
gate: my mother, Tammy’s mother, and Tammy’s Grandmother. These three would be so excited to hold,
love, and spoil one more grandchild. I
know they are watching over my daughter Holly and her husband Nick with great
joy and anticipation. And I can hear
them explaining to others in heaven how proud they are of their children,
grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren. I can see them tugging on an angels wing with
orders to watch over all of us. I can
see them winch every time one of us messes up or causes another pain. Knowing they are watching makes the difficult
times more bearable. Knowing they are
watching makes mistakes and missteps more painful.
As a parent and grandparent, I know the kinds of dreams and
hopes they had for us. I know how often
I crushed those dreams and I know there were times when I was able to fulfill,
at least in part, if not the whole, those dreams.
I pray for children and grandchildren everywhere. I pray for parents and grandparents. These are quite different times to be raising
a child and the world is filled with dangers.
God grant your peace and protection. Grant parents grace for the journey
and children an understanding of love and forgiveness. And thank you for parents and grandparents
who are now with you in heaven. Amen.
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