My dear Aidan,
I am so sorry that I let your birthday slip up on me without remembering☹
Months ago I bought you a birthday card that I thought would strike your
“funny bone”. On the front it says, “The President and Mrs. Trump wish
you a Happy Birthday”. The card was wrapped in saran so I couldn’t see
what was inside, but I bought it and tucked it away for your birthday!!
When I realized that TODAY is the day, I opened the card to find a
naughty word inside. Oh well, maybe it was just as well that I didn’t send
it.
As I think of you as my grandson over the past 15 years, I think of your
quietness and thoughtfulness. I often reflect on the amazing birthday gifts
you sent to me this year. The beautiful study you did of our family lines is
an incredible gift. And the recitation of four chapters of Matthew is
staggering to me (especially in light of the trouble I have remembering
anything). I was sure that yesterday was Wednesday, and here I am today,
living it all over again. The job you did memorizing Jesus’ genealogy is
beyond my comprehension.
I also think of you, Aidan, as a game-lover. You can virtually play for all 4
people at once, just as smoothly as a swiss watch. Your hands glide over
a game board, moving “men”, snatching money, making change… all in
one seamless motion…. for everyone at the table!!
However, I have also seen your gentle grace and humor. I will never forget
playing ping pong with you in your garage. We were volleying back and
forth and I was thinking, “Hey, I’m not so bad for 70. I’m holding my own
pretty well with this (then) 14-year-old.” When all of a sudden, out of
nowhere, a ping pong ball flew at me so fast that I could see nothing but a
blur and could in no way react in time to guess where it was in time to
swing at it. A little smirk came over your face. Then I realized that you
were playing graciously with your Grandma, but you couldn’t quite resist
letting me see a bit of what you were holding back. I loved it��
My very least favorite memory of you, Aidan, was when you unknowingly
ate some peanut butter cookies. You weren’t feeling well, but you just
quietly retreated to your bedroom. Fortunately, you must have realized that
you desperately needed help, but still no noise or fuss. You just came back
downstairs, looked at us with a splotchy, frightened face. There was no
question that you were having a serious allergic reaction. Your parents
quickly stabbed you with an epi-pen and your Mom found a neighbor with a
car that she could borrow so your Dad could take you to the hospital. I’ve
never been so thankful to see you at home again.
When I think of all the beautiful promises in Psalm 119 that belong to those
who “hide God’s Word in their heart”, I am so excited to see how you will
continue to grow and mature, and how God will use your life to bring glory
to His own. You have quietly and soberly taken on so many challenges
that center on the mastery of God’s Word. I am so thankful for God’s Spirit
in you, Aidan, and for the young man you have become. You bless me so
much, Aidan, and I know you will bless many others throughout your
lifetime.
I wish I could have shared this birthday with you. I know it will be a Happy
One!!
So much love
Grandma
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