since moving into our new neighborhood, one of my favorite moments of the day is our morning walk. as we walk house by house i feel like i’m a kid again, navigating the same streets i did visiting my grandparents. and as we walk by lawns watered by sprinklers, the distinct smell of the water in this town comforts me. the nostalgia of many memories spent outdoors, exploring with my sisters and cousin, adored and loved so much by my grandparents is overwhelming. and when we meet neighbors who ask “who we are” (which in small town means who are you related to!) i am proud to name my parents and grandparents names. and those that knew my grandparents often have a story to share. a well respected memory of them. for those i am thankful because i don’t think i understood the gravity of their knowledge, life experience, or wisdom when they were alive to appreciate the moments i had with them to ask and listen.
we have befriended our 95 year old neighbor. he is as kind as they come. he lights up when he sees my children. gracie lights up when she sees him because he greets her with a handful of candy, which she usually indulges in before 8 am! and rad lights up with giggles when he tickles his toes. but if i can teach her to genuinely love our neighbors and to appreciate her elders and their lives then the candy is worth it 🙂 i have so enjoyed the moments standing in his driveway hearing about his lifelong marriage to his wife who passed away a few years ago, his service in the navy, and his journey with jesus. he tells me daily that he is ready to go be with jesus. amen. indeed he has lived a good life. and even at 95 he is making our lives sweeter. he reminds me of my grandparents. he is a good man. a simple man.
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| my grandmother, Ruth (NaNa) |
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| grandfather Martin (PaPa), NaNa and grandmother Else (Oma) |
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| mr. john, our neighbor |
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| how we travel lately!
*i’m still searching for digital pics of my other grandparents*
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