The blessings of a grandparent...

I remember her standing at the screen door with a smile that lit up her face.  
As I walked up the driveway, she was there waiting eagerly for me to arrive. Even before I reached the door, I could feel her love envelop me!
Is there a grandparent that has left their mark in your heart and life? ​

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May we never forget the impact we can have in the life of someone who needs guidance and love in their young life; for we all love to remember our own childhood days and those who have left their mark on our own heart.  They are the special people who have shown us genuine love and affection, who have given us an example to live by in this life. ​

Growing up in a VERY dysfunctional family, I longed to feel loved and needed.  This desire was fulfilled by my grandmother, who made me the center of her life.  My parents visited her once or twice a year, and it was not until I was old enough to drive that I was able to spend the time I longed for with her. 

She taught me to sew,  we had talks about dating,  discussed issues women face in life and I came to know her as a woman who overcame obstacles that no woman should have to go through in life.  The "happily ever-after" life that she never had, she now prayed that I would come to know. 

She was a woman of strength.  Not only in the physical and emotional sense, but also and most importantly in the spiritual sense.  God had seen her through some of the darkest times in her life, and we often sat and discussed these times.   I know it was for my teaching and for my own spiritual strength.    
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 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.         2 Timothy 1:5

Her name was Felicia.  
​She was beautiful outwardly and inwardly.   Her father was a music teacher and she followed his passion, as she too was a  wonderful pianist and studied ballet. 
Her dreams of continuing her passions ended when she married at a young age and soon had two sons.  Sadly, her marriage crumbled when her husband (my grandfather) became a gambler  and a womanizer.   She struggled to raise two children alone as she worked as a seamstress in a clothing factory.  In the years that followed, her husband only returned home when in need of a place to recuperate from his drinking bouts and when he did show up it resulted in times of physical abuse. 
Through all this, Felicia placed her trust in God. She knew He would see her through. 

Yes, this lovely woman who endured so much heartache in her life,  gave me the love and confidence to endure the trials that awaited me in my life.  Thank You Lord for such a loving grandparent!