To My Grandparents...

I sit in the living room, my parents, uncle, grandfather, and grandmother surround me. The conversation is minimal, talk of the weather, the farm; the piano bench has been moved from the piano to allow for a wheelchair in its place. I keep glancing at my grandmother. Her eyes have a glossy look to them, her hair unkempt, her mind in another world. Every once in a while, she will catch my eye and a big smile spreads over her face and as quickly as it appears, it disappears, replaced by a blank expression. Having lost two grandparents, I know that these moments are inevitable.

National Grandparents' Day was not too long ago. I always thought growing up, I was the 'norm.' I knew all of my grandparents and all but two of my great-grandparents. As I grew, I realized that so many never have the opportunity to develop relationships with their grandparents.

As I hear my parents talking, my uncle and grandfather working out the week's schedule, I know I am blessed. I am who I am because of my grandparents. My personality, my faith, my looks, my body type, my likes and interests, I can trace back to my grandparents. 

A strong work ethic-my Granddaddy Stowe, my love of others and love of structure and organization-my Grandmother Stowe, my servant's heart-my Granddaddy Thomas, my strong will and ability to stand up for truth-my Grandmother Thomas....my love of sports, the Braves, love of music, playing piano, love of others, love of Jesus, love of the country, love of food and many many more can be traced back to my grandparents.
I know that one day, and one day soon, I will no longer have any grandparents with me. Life goes on and time allows the Lord to take them home to Him, yet I know that inside of me they will always be. They will always live because a part of them is carried in who I am. I pray that I become more like them each day, that I continue to make them proud even as I age. I pray that the Faith of My Fathers will be passed down to those I come in contact with, to my own children Lord willing, to my spiritual children. I pray that when it is time for the Lord to reunite me with my grandparents I will have left a legacy just as they have.

1. Faith of our fathers, living still,
   In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
   Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
   Whene’er we hear that glorious Word!
2. 
   
3. Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
4. We will be true to thee till death.
5. Faith of our fathers, we will strive
   To win all nations unto thee;
   And through the truth that comes from God,
   We all shall then be truly free.
6. Faith of our fathers, we will love
   Both friend and foe in all our strife;
   And preach thee, too, as love knows how
   By kindly words and virtuous life.