Maybe some of you have been wondering about our adventure living with my grandpa Tom. I have been reflecting on it a lot lately myself. Before my grandpa has always felt like a stranger to me. I have few childhood memories of him even though he has always lived a few miles down the road from my parents. I remember him as stern and always felt frightened by him. I don't remember him hugging or playing or even saying my name. When Jonah and I got married, I reconciled my relationship with my grandmother and even began monthly meals with them both. He was present, but quiet. Grammy, being domineering, often shushed him if he tried to tell stories when we would eat together.
We've been here 3 months now and affection has grown between our family and Grandpa Tom. My girls are inspiring. Stella loves him. She shouts "GJO" (her name for him) when she sees him and says it questioningly when he isn't around. Adrianne is always full of concern when we leave him at the house. "What is Grandpa Tom going to eat for dinner?"
What we are gaining from this time is priceless. I love teaching my girls about love and concern for others and I love the change in me and my own attitudes towards family and obligations. I know it won't always be easy but I hope and pray for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in us and to be a powerful testimony to Grandpa Tom and to my family as well.
