Grandmommy’s Notes in the Margin

I guess when you turn 59, you can reflect if you want to. Actually, you can reflect anytime…and probably should. But, this birthday seems more monumentous than I expected. It has given me great cause for retrospection.

Fifty-nine years may not seem like many to some, but it is to me. I had two grandparents that never made it to 50, much less to 59. As I look back, I think of all they missed.

Neither of them ever knew their grandchildren. I have 7 and they represent many of my most precious memories. The birth of each one was so special.

Minineil was first. It was such a special day. Her mother included me in the birthing experience. The first time I held her absolutely took my breath away. But, even better was watching Grandpa hold her for the first time. He had been sitting in the waiting room…grumpy as usual. I called him into the room and handed him that precious package. He just melted! I think he actually had a tear in his eye!

Then came our two precious gifts by way of adoption. They have blessed this family in ways that I can not begin to tell you. Watching them be kids behind the judge’s desk on their final adoption day was priceless!

Next came Minime. When we got the call that she had been born, I could hardly get there fast enough! I was so anxious to hold that little one. We did not know whether it would be a girl or a boy until she was born. That made it even more exciting when we got that call. She was so beautiful. I was so glad that we lived in the same town!

Next came the two little surprises. I guess I’ll call them Minilaurie and Miniglen. And that is EXACTLY who they are! Mommy wasn’t supposed to have kids and had two of them…two years apart. They keep this family hopping!

Last (so far) is Minimike. How very special it was to sit with her sister while we waited on her birth! Of course, Minime informed me that it wasn’t happening because it was not September yet. (I think God surprised her!)

Of course, these are not my accomplishments. They are the shining jewels we have been blessed with from the great kids that we have. Mike, Laurie, Matt, Neil, and Steven. Along with them, we have gained Laine, Glen, Cheryl, and soon we will add Stacey. I am truly blessed!

Not everything in my life has been good. There have been failures and losses and disappointments. My own; not my children. I sit here and think of the times I failed my children. Oh, the hurt that it has caused. If I could only take back some of the years. But never ever have they failed me. I only hope that they know how very much that I love them and cherish them.

To Robert, I can only say, I have not always been the best wife but I have always loved you. I am so glad that I turned 59 while married to the greatest guy in the world. God has been very good to me.

I just got this picture on my cell phone from my first grandchild (but not my oldest!). She is having a great time at Disneyworld with Daddy and Cheryl. She is going to have the stories to tell!
Is that a present for her sweet Grandmother in the blue bag???

Just a quick note to thank you all for your prayers. They mean more
to us than I could have ever imagined.

Robert has returned to chemotherapy and is going every other week for
a 3 day treatment. We think it may be doing some good, but it causes
him a lot of pain (especially the days immediately following the
treatment). He still has a lot of pressure and we really do not know
what kind of progress may be occurring.

I think we may both be battling depression and I’m sure it comes with
the territory. However, this week, he asked someone to wait until
next week to visit and then the next day he regretted it. He spends
a lot of time alone and probably could have used the company. But, he
knew he would be facing pain and probably would have been a mean old bear!!

I also would ask you to pray for our children. Two of them,
especially, have arranged their lives so that they can come and take
Robert for all of his treatments and appointments. A third one and
his fiance are also always ready to step in as the backup plan. This
has truly been a blessing for me, but I know it has to be a hardship
at times for them. They all help in their own special ways. But, 2
live out of state and I know that it is difficult for them to be so
far from home right now. So, please pray for them all. They are
Mike, Matt, Laurie, Neil and Steven. These are 5 of the greatest
kids any Mom and Dad could ever ask for (not to mention the others
they have added to our family through marriage and children).

On a sad note, a friend of our family lost her husband yesterday. He
was only 57 or 58 years old and it was sudden. All that I know at
this time is that he died of heart failure. Please remember the Veal
family as they face this loss over the next few days and weeks. She
also lost her mother not very long ago.

May God bless each and everyone of you each and every day.
Robert and Sandy Little