Five Things I Wish I Could Tell My Grandmother

I last wrote the five questions I would ask my grandmother; now I’m recording the five things I wish I could tell her.

This was a difficult task, because several times each day I think of things I'd like to share with her. Ella's first sentence. Katie's love for books. Sarah's tight hugs. My curiousity about birds. The list seems endless; but I narrowed it down.

These are my Top Five (today):

1. I’m a born-again Christian, Momo.

You prayed for me, and God answered your prayers. Not all of our kids are, but we’re praying for them and for our grandchildren, as you did. Thanks for your love and your example of trusting God.

2. When I looked up your father’s family tree, you were missing.

The Land Family website showed your brothers’ and sisters’ lines, but not yours. I wrote to the webmaster and found out, from a fifth cousin, that everyone thought you had died in childhood! I fixed that in a hurry, and now that family tree has another branch.

3. My eyes are okay.

I know you worried about my extreme near-sightedness when I was very little, but technology caught up and I got Lasik surgery about twelve years ago. I can see without my glasses! Remember in second grade when the doctor told me I had to stop reading so much or my eyes would get worse? I can read all I want to now.

4. I’ve been to Israel – three times.

I remember how much you talked about Israel, and all the places about which you read to me. I’ve seen them. I’ve seen Samson’s town. I’ve seen where David fought Goliath. I’ve seen Jerusalem. I’d love to show you all the pictures of the places you spoke of with such wistfulness, knowing you’d never get there.

5. I loved you so much.

I’m not sure I ever told you that, although I suspect you knew. You rescued me many times from foolish choices I might have made. You told me I was a special girl. I can never repay you. Perhaps your greatest legacy was your example to me. I have eight grandchildren, and I’m trying to measure up! Thank you.

The last one is the only one I could have fixed, but didn’t. And I’m so sorry. The things we take for granted sometimes turn out to be life’s greatest gifts.