Well, we just got back from a quick weekend down in the big city. Knut’s aunt offered us her Rainbow playground set if we’d pick it up. Knut’s cousin was being confirmed as well, so we thought it would be a good weekend for a visit.
Sunday morning, I heard from my mom that my grandpa was being taken by ambulance to the stroke hospital as he woke up with very shallow breathing and unable to speak. It seems that he’s had a “mini-stroke” and will hopefully be on the mend. Knut and I are learning with several elderly grandparents that it takes a while for people in their late 80s to mend. He had a stroke 2 years ago, which he bounced back from slowly, but not completely.
It was ironic that we were attending a confirmation that day. It was my grandpa who did my confirmation of the knowledge of the faith. When I was of confirmation age, we went to a community church that did not do confirmation, so my mom had me visit my grandparents about every other weekend for one on one study with my grandpa, the retired missionary. How many middle schoolers get to sit one on one with someone with such rich experience in faith and just talk about God, the Bible, doctrine, and faith? Not enough, I know that much.
This morning, the blessings I’m counting are:
-my grandpa. It feels like I’m losing him piece by piece as he seems so much older with each visit. He may be one of the most influential men in my life, and I’m so blessed to be his granddaughter. I’m so thankful he is still with us, as I’m so anxious to see both him and Grandma this Christmas.
-a new playground for my kids. I know it sounds petty next to Grandpa, but it will be put to good use by my kids, and we’re lucky to have gotten it.
-time with family over the weekend. It was nice to get away, be in a city and buy things I don’t need at Ikea. (Where I ran into a friend/blog reader! Hi Kari!)
-harvest is done. Knut was home very early on Thursday, had all of Friday off, and took the kids and I away for the weekend. It’s so amazingly wonderful to have another adult around. It’s so nice to have adult conversation. The whole way back from the city we dreamed and made plans for our 10 year anniversary trip next summer. At this point we’re leaning towards Norway. We’ll see.
If you’d like to join in as we battle Monday with remembering how we are blessed, leave a comment on how God has been blessing you, or leave a link to your post on blessings.
Mom says
October 31, 2011 at 12:52 pmHow wonderful that you got a playground for the kids. It’ll be fun to see pics, once it is all assembled! Even during hard times, with Grandpa very ill, we have been so blessed to have him in our lives all these years. What a legacy! Love you, Gretchen!
Jessica says
October 31, 2011 at 4:10 pmthat’s really funny- i went to ikea this weekend as well! and though it’s not at all set in stone, we’ve been talking/dreaming about going to norway this upcoming summer too! (weird, huh?)
Megan says
October 31, 2011 at 8:07 pmThat’s awesome that you are close with your Grandpa and he was such a influence in your life. It is so hard to watch them get older and I said a little prayer that God will heal him after this stroke!
Kari, RN says
November 1, 2011 at 2:53 amIt was so fun to see you on Saturday! Even if it was for such a short time, it’s fun running into people you know – especially since we were both in a city where neither of us live!
Kris says
November 2, 2011 at 1:17 amI hope your grandpa heals quickly. I’m keeping him in my prayers
Lisa Joy says
November 2, 2011 at 5:53 pmBetter late than never, right? 🙂