Dearie {A Legacy Post}
A few weeks ago, Jon and I were out to breakfast. I was enjoying his company, his smile, the coffee, and knew the coming food was going to be delicious.
I wasn’t looking for a blessing beyond what l already had, but one arrived anyway when an older woman (even old than me!) said to her granddaughter, “I love you, Dearie.”
Tears of delight gathered in my eyes because my Grandma Joy often called me Dearie. That sweet endearment took me right back to moments with her and to our love.
Memories of her and I made their way across my mind and out into the open as I shared them with Jon even though he knew most of them.
“Mama said it was special between us from our very first moments together.”
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“She was always willing to listen to me, and I was always chattering. I loved touching her pretty pins gently. I was always welcome in her arms.”
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“I rode the bus to her house (Rochester MN to Worthington MN) whenever the funds allowed. It was different back then – I started riding alone when I was about seven. The drivers looked after me and helped me change buses in one of the towns along the way.”
“When I became a teenager, life got busier, but Mama and Daddy still provided the trip money, and I learned to ask my bosses for time off. And she came to us when she could.”
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“And I was always her Dearie.”
“She was so frail that last Christmas. But still, she patted my face and said, ‘I love you, Dearie.’”
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The memories and the words kept coming between bites of my yummy breakfast.
“I remember waking up at her house to find her reading her Bible and praying. I’d try to stay quiet, but she always knew I was awake. She’d invite me to follow her into the kitchen where she put frozen raspberries (an expensive treat back in the day) in bowls, fixed us cups of tea, and fried four slices of crispy bacon.”
And I wasn’t done yet.
“Then we’d get ready for the day which almost always included one errand, her piano students, and often a visit to the hospital or one of the two nursing homes in town or coffee with one of her dear friends. She loved sharing us with each other.”
Our conversation changed directions, and Jon got a few words in himself while I finished my food.
One thing that stands out to me about Grandma was serving others was as natural to her as breathing. She didn’t call it that – she called what we did running errands and visiting. And because we dressed up in our almost Sunday best, it also felt like a celebration of sorts.
On the way home from breakfast with Jon, I prayed silently, “Thank You for Grandma Joy and although I’m not sure this is how You do things in Heaven, if it’s okay with You, please tell her Dearie loves her.”
Because I did and I do and always will.
Legacy Moment:
All it took to remember was a cherished word. I know there are words we’ve all heard in our lives that lead to many different memories. But is there a kind word someone spoke to you that lingers in your heart? I hope you’ll consider writing about it today so you can enjoy it now and then.
Are you interested in starting to write the legacy that is your life? Why not give The Legacy Challenge a try?
Until Next Time,
Joy
P. S. Have you heard the news? I’m part of this way cool new author group and we have a new Facebook page for readers. You’re invited to check us out! Click on the graphic below.
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