LOVE: A Slice of Heaven

Well, it’s been an eventful week to say the least. Birthday date with the grands, a quick run to emergency for a fainting episode, and the sweet love of family.

As many of you know, I have a lot of grandchildren. Sixteen to be precise, not to mention two foster grandbabies. So, when it comes to celebrating birthdays, it can be a little overwhelming.  

When the kids were smaller and fewer, we made each birthday a big deal.

Who can forget the homemade Barbie birthday cake, the princess dresses and scavenger hunts? And of course, we had the superhero costume parties. Two memories stick in my mind.

I do remember giving my oldest granddaughter a big poster with nine things attached to it for her nineth birthday. I’m sure there was candy and some fun toys, but I must’ve run out of things after eight…so I ran to the pantry and grabbed a box of pudding. I thought she might get a kick out of making it.

I taped the poster to their back sliding door.

When we brought her in to view her gifts, she was so excited about the BIG card and burst out laughing when she saw the box of pudding. To this day we get such a kick out of it.

I also remember when the oldest boy turned nine. I gave him three options. Nine one-dollar bills, a trip to the Half Price Bookstore to choose some books or a trip to the dollar store to spend nine dollars. (You will have to excuse me, but I am laughing right now!!!!!)

You should have seen his eyes!! Nine whole dollars!!!

He pondered, thought, and finally made his decision. He was really leaning towards the bookstore, but the dollar store won out. I could see his eyes lighting up. “Just think of it. NINE toys of my own choice!!!! Wahoo. Let’s go.”

So off we went.

One by one, he began to choose his toys. The last choice was the hardest. Finally, a decision was made on a big black plastic gun. I don’t remember much about it, other than it was big and plastic. He was so excited he could hardly wait to go home.

The first thing he pulled out was his huge gun. Bang! Bang! Get those bad guys!!

Then, it happened. The gun wouldn’t work. Something went wrong with the trigger. Of course, I knew it wouldn’t last. It was plastic. (Sorry, I am laughing again!!!!!)

He looked at me, and said, “Mimi, something is wrong. My gun won’t work!”

After giving appropriate sympathy, I smiled and asked, “How much did we pay for it?”

I could see his nine-year old little wheels turning. There was this pause, then…“Ohhhh!!”

That was seven years ago. This year he turned sixteen, has his own window washing business and is driving. Why does time go so fast?!!!  

I took him and the oldest boys out to Bolder Adventure Park in Grand Prairie for their birthday date. We had a blast!!

There was rock climbing, basketball shooting (did I mention that my g’sons made the highest scores?!!! Ha!!!), tubing, hockey playing and the arcades. On the way, we grabbed “coffee” and I let them choose the music and tell me all about their favorite groups and songs.

In the end, we took a selfie with everyone grinning from ear to ear.

I’m so glad I have the photo. It will forever remind me of what a great time we had!!!

The very next day, I was headed to emergency. My husband took care of me all during the night, my daughter drove me to the hospital and stayed with me…chatting and telling jokes. My youngest stopped by the next day with flowers and homemade cards from the grands. My son and daughter-in-law, who were headed out of town sent their love and prayers.

My heart was full.

If I may, the love of family and friends is a slice of heaven!!!

God, who is eternal had each one of us on His mind from eternity past. God’s love for us is so deep we can’t measure it. In loving us, He brings us into relationship with Himself and with others. God’s love is personal, relational, and communal. The Almighty Creator-God brought you and I into existence. Why? Because of His great love!!!!  

When we love and experience love, it is only because He FIRST loved us!!!! (1 John 4:19)