around Christmas time an e-mail came through from Alyssa, who was creating a keepsake of memories from family and friends for Gramma Elser. With all the holiday craziness, i didn’t end up seeing the e-mail until we were actually in town visiting Gramma and i figured Alyssa probably had plenty on her plate with all the last-minute memories coming in, so i decided just to let Joshua submit his and leave it at that. And, while i’d known this indescribable lady for just a short while–a mere 5 years of far-between visits–i secretly wondered if that was long enough–as a recently-married into the family granddaughter-in-law i wondered if i qualified to contribute to this special keepsake…i also knew there were many ways she’d stirred my heart, but i didn’t know how to express any of that at the time…so i was sticking with “i don’t qualify” to excuse my silent pen.
…i had the privilege of seeing Alyssa’s creation–a brightly colored collection of cards, kept safe in an equally bright and cheery polka-dot case. In reading the (MANY!) memories, i was pleasantly surprised to find many of them to be a mere sentence or two…short, but valuable…concise, but full. This lady, who is just drenched in the Holy Spirit, has allowed God to use her impressively and humbly–touching many many other souls in innumerable ways…some of her actions have been big, and others have been small, every-day and unassuming kindnesses–but God’s impact through her has been nothing short of profound.
…And so, even as a new addition to the family, i’m now not so reluctant to share just a few of these memories. i hope they bring a smile to your face and inspiration to your step…
1.
gramma elser…all set to celebrate our marriage with a good cheek-pinching, and a holy kiss.
2.
We made a spur-of-the-moment trip to see Gramma in November. It was Saturday morning and Gramma was still in bed. i was ready for a good, hot shower, and it seemed Gramma was still asleep, but i wanted to be sure, in case she needed to get into the bathroom. i tip-toed past her door and heard her stirring. She recognized me (she often would confuse me with shel), and invited me to climb up next to her in bed. We had ourselves a little pajama party right then and there. steph joined too, after a while, and i don’t really know what all we talked about–the snow outside, our drive to town…life. it was, and is, good.
3.
During our visit to Indiana over Christmas, we again spent some time at Steph & Elden’s and got to visit with Gramma. We actually got to hang out with her on our own a couple of times while they were out. Gramma woke for a little while, we got her some coffee and joshua and i chatted with her a bit before she was ready for a rest. i asked if i could get her anything before she laid down, and she said, “well, yes, i’d like you to pray with me.” Her hands, made strong by years of labors of love, but disguised by her paper-thin, weather-worn skin, firmly grasped ours, and she offered up the most beautiful prayer, thanking God for our time together, and praying for joshua and me as a couple, asking Him to guide and protect us in our marriage, and as we look forward to where in the world He would have us serve next. i was so blessed by that prayer, and i am reminded to thank God for the many grandmas and great-grandmas and friends and loved ones that have covered us in prayers over the years. One could not ask for a more valuable gift, and one could not leave a more valuable legacy…
…keeping you all in my prayers.
Christ’s love,
AV
