Thanksgiving morning, thirteen years ago, we found out we were expecting our second child. My husband immediately brought the situation to the Lord by praying over this new blessing – right there in the bathroom. We kept the news to ourselves throughout the wonderful flood of family and turkey & dressing consumption. No one caught the extra twinkle in our eyes or pep in our steps. As Granny and Granddaddy were getting into their car to leave, we decided they should be the first to know. How appropriate! God’s timing is always perfect.
Nine months later, we met our second daughter face to face. She was given her beloved, great Granny’s name and was born on her adored, great Granddaddy’s 80th birthday. We never could have imagined the preciousness of that extra gift from the Lord.
Over the next ten years, the two celebrated their birthdays together – each with their own cake and decorative topping, sitting side by side, blowing out the growing number of candles. Whether the side by side was on the floor, licking the icing with fingers or in chairs, adorned in a tiara and sheriff’s badge, the birthday girl and boy looked forward to that special party every year.
Last August, Granddaddy’s Alzheimer’s had progressed so much, we had to prepare our daughter for the very real possibility that she would not be able to celebrate with him. His speech had slowed greatly and his memory was fading faster than we wanted to see, although he had been dealing with it for years. We chose not to even mention it to him thinking it would confuse him further. She understood but was visibly disappointed.
Although Granddaddy could not remember who or what her name was, he did remember he had a birthday buddy. So when he woke up that August morning and asked about his birthday buddy, you better believe we popped a couple cakes in the oven immediately! We rushed over to Granny and Granddaddy’s house as soon as they were done and had THE best birthday celebration thus far. Side by side, they smiled, laughed, sang, and even danced from their chairs. What another miracle! God’s timing is always perfect.
A month later, Granddaddy had to be moved to a Memory Care Unit and this past Valentine’s Day, we celebrated more than just the day he was born. We celebrated his life. Not long from now, another August birthday will roll around. The birthday buddies will have their first party apart – one in Heaven and one in South Georgia. But the seat next to my daughter as she blows out her candles will always be occupied in our minds.
Thank you, Lord for your perfect timing and your precious gifts. May we always be aware of them and never take them for granted!
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! ~2 Corinthians 9:15 (God’s gift of grace is truly indescribable!)
Thanks for stopping by! ;)
Nine months later, we met our second daughter face to face. She was given her beloved, great Granny’s name and was born on her adored, great Granddaddy’s 80th birthday. We never could have imagined the preciousness of that extra gift from the Lord.
Over the next ten years, the two celebrated their birthdays together – each with their own cake and decorative topping, sitting side by side, blowing out the growing number of candles. Whether the side by side was on the floor, licking the icing with fingers or in chairs, adorned in a tiara and sheriff’s badge, the birthday girl and boy looked forward to that special party every year.
Last August, Granddaddy’s Alzheimer’s had progressed so much, we had to prepare our daughter for the very real possibility that she would not be able to celebrate with him. His speech had slowed greatly and his memory was fading faster than we wanted to see, although he had been dealing with it for years. We chose not to even mention it to him thinking it would confuse him further. She understood but was visibly disappointed.
Although Granddaddy could not remember who or what her name was, he did remember he had a birthday buddy. So when he woke up that August morning and asked about his birthday buddy, you better believe we popped a couple cakes in the oven immediately! We rushed over to Granny and Granddaddy’s house as soon as they were done and had THE best birthday celebration thus far. Side by side, they smiled, laughed, sang, and even danced from their chairs. What another miracle! God’s timing is always perfect.
A month later, Granddaddy had to be moved to a Memory Care Unit and this past Valentine’s Day, we celebrated more than just the day he was born. We celebrated his life. Not long from now, another August birthday will roll around. The birthday buddies will have their first party apart – one in Heaven and one in South Georgia. But the seat next to my daughter as she blows out her candles will always be occupied in our minds.
Thank you, Lord for your perfect timing and your precious gifts. May we always be aware of them and never take them for granted!
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! ~2 Corinthians 9:15 (God’s gift of grace is truly indescribable!)
Thanks for stopping by! ;)