I've been touched recently by a couple of things relating to my grandparents. I've been blessed with wonderful grandparents -- I have many happy memories from my childhood of spending time with both sets of grandparents. I often wish that my own children could interact their grandparents as much as I was able to interact with mine, but unfortunately distance has made things like weekly get-togethers not very feasible.
I only have one grandparent remaining alive -- my dad's mother. However, I have so many wonderful memories of them all that it often seems like they are not that far away.
As children, we all think that our grandparents have always looked like we know them -- older and wrinkled with graying hair. So I love to see pictures of my grandparents in their dating years and as young married couples. I try to imagine them with their young families since that is where I'm at in my life now. And, being a romantic at heart, I love to hear and read about their love stories.
The other day I pulled out some old pictures and came across some pictures of my mother's parents that I hadn't realized I had. I think someone gave them to me several years ago after my grandpa's funeral. My grandma died when I was a teenager -- my first loss of a grandparent.
Included in the pile were two pictures of them in their youth:
On the back of the picture of my grandpa was this handwritten note. It just made me smile.
This is a busy world, and we have cares and responsibilities. My responsibilities are not many, but -- after I come into the room after a hard day of tracting and visiting, after a day of meetings -- your picture is here, to remind me of the sweetness and contentment that was mine while I was with you. Honestly, Erma, it brings back that sweetness of yours, which swallows up all those cares and troubles, and fills my heart with contentment again. - You do mean a lot to me, Erma, and I love you. --Melvin
It appears that this was written while my grandpa was serving his mission (German-Austrian Mission, 1928-1930). I love the sincerity of this little note and I know that my grandparents cultivated a deep love for one another. Here they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with their family in 1982 (can you spot me?):
And as a little side note, I was struck while looking at these photos how much my mom looks like her mother -- especially her eyes.
My sister-in-law pointed out to me once (after meeting my mom) that she thought Hayley also had my mom's eyes -- what do you think?
My dad's parents also enjoyed a deep, abiding love. Their courtship tells of my grandpa building a little boat to take my grandma out riding in.
They, too, served each other faithfully for over 50 years of marriage.
This is a family reunion picture from 1977 -- and the family kept growing!
My grandpa suffered some stroke-related health issues for the last several years of his life. My grandma was his tireless companion and caretaker as much as she was able to. Their love for each other and their family remained as strong as ever.
My grandpa passed away in 2003. A few weeks ago, in the monthly family newsletter that my grandparents started over 30 years ago, my grandma wrote this message:
LOVE is the "theme" of "Valentine Month", and because I "feel" so much LOVE being passed along in our family, I would like to remind you that Grandpa--(even after more than fourteen years of being blind and paralyzed, and being confined to his bed or wheelchair) really loved all you dear, precious family-members, and was doing everything in his power to help you FEEL that love, and to let you know that he wanted you to pass it to others. When he reached those last few months and weeks of his life, I think he never missed a day of singing "Love at Home". He didn’t have a beautiful singing voice, and he sometimes got "mixed up" with which words or line came next, but he sang that song with all his heart every day--often many times each day--and I often joined in singing it with him. It was such a blessing to recognize all that love emanating from his "helpless" body, and it made me know that he was diligently treasuring his precious family, and was not feeling depressed or deprived. He knew, with all his loving heart, that you (our family) were what really mattered. . . . and so that is the short message that I’d like to pass along in this month that emphasizes LOVE -- Keep his message alive in your hearts! (And, would you please, if you possibly can, get your family together, and sing "Love at Home" at least once this month, in memory of his favorite song--and because there isn’t anything that would make him happier.
Her message brought tears to my eyes in remembering my grandpa and being reminded about the importance of our families -- and love at home.
I am so thankful for a wonderful heritage. What a blessing it has been in my life!
There is beauty all around
When there’s love at home;
There is joy in ev’ry sound
When there’s love at home.
Peace and plenty here abide,
Smiling sweet on ev’ry side.
Time doth softly, sweetly glide
When there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Time doth softly, sweetly glide
When there’s love at home.
In the cottage there is joy
When there’s love at home;
Hate and envy ne’er annoy
When there’s love at home.
Roses bloom beneath our feet;
All the earth’s a garden sweet,
Making life a bliss complete
When there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Making life a bliss complete
When there’s love at home.
Kindly heaven smiles above
When there’s love at home;
All the world is filled with love
When there’s love at home.
Sweeter sings the brooklet by;
Brighter beams the azure sky.
Oh, there’s One who smiles on high
When there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Oh, there’s One who smiles on high
When there’s love at home.
