My youngest son recently got married. Yes, that in itself is cause for giving thanks (and no, and I am not just being a smartass here). During the wedding as the Psalm was read, a wave of gratitude washed over me as I heard, "and may you live to see your children's children," because I already have. Well, at least nine of them anyway.
And then yesterday I was struck by another, much more selfish wave of gratitude that connected with a thought that briefly passed though my mind during the wedding. That thought was about the tragedy that some parents are forced to endure when young life is struck down. Although we usually think the Psalmist means to say, may you live long enough to see grandchildren, there is another little twist in there. Your son or daughter must live long enough to produce that grandchild. During the wedding we remembered in prayer my son's young cousin who died some years ago in a tragic auto accident. I saw his mother at the airport as we were leaving for a second half of vacation, but I know her grief never leaves.
Yesterday I was reminded again of this whole train of thoughts when I learned that Kevin McHale's daughter, Sasha McHale, died at the age of 23. That is not supposed to happen.
So I was thrilled to see all of my sons at their brother's wedding. And I am thankful every single day that I have gotten to see my children's children -- including my grandpugs. The grandpugs may not be on exactly the same level as the human grandchildren in my heart (sorry), but who knows? Maybe the grandpugs will have a human brother or sister some day. (not pushing anything here -- just carrying through with a theme)
From the heart of a most grateful Nana
No comments:
Post a Comment