I grew up surrounded by my father’s family. For as many years as I can remember I spent every holiday and break with my grandmother Peaches. She was was like royalty in my heart and she adored me. I was her more than her granddaughter. I always assumed that my children would have the same experiences that I had growing up.
But our life is different, I live 1000+ miles from my family. My Mom has stage 4 cancer, my step mom doesn’t really concern herself with us. My husbands family is fantastic but they live 2 1/2 hours away and we don’t see them near as much as we should.
So, little things like a blue paper announcing grandparents day lunch at school can send me reeling for my son. I can picture him sitting at school, all alone, surrounded by many grandparents and feeling sad. That is not what happened, because we are so very blessed with our Columbus family. I already shared my thanks for Auntie Heather and tonight I am giving thanks for her amazing Mom, Patty.
Every since I met Patty, she has welcomed me into her home, her church and her family. When I was a *new* Christian, she was encouraging and caring, offering her knowledge and her past. And today, she gave up her morning, to come and have lunch with Eph on Grandparents Day.
Eph was so excited to tell me about lunch, taking Patty to his class and that she drank chocolate milk (not tea) just like him. He said it was the best day ever at school even though they had short recess. He was blessed today by his extra family and I know it is moments like this that sow seeds into his heart.
So, thank you Patty for being our extra today! We are so blessed by your family!
I saw your comment on Adventures In Being A Mom, so I stopped by and now I see you’re in Ohio. I’m in the Columbus area too. I’m so glad your son has someone to hang out with for his special lunch, that was so sweet of her to do that for you guys!
I’m glad you’ve found “extended family” where you’re at. Feeling connected makes a huge difference! Glad she was able to join your little guy for lunch!