Devotion - My Grandparents

I have been close to my paternal grandparents for as long as I can remember.  Even when my parents were married, I could remember being at their house often.  I know they loved spending time with us grandkids and doing things for us.  They NEVER missed any school functions, including even attending my senior chapel from college when I had a speaking part.  Of course they were at my college and grad school graduation too.  There are not many monumental memories that I have from when I was a child that didn't have my grandparents there. (The picture above is us siblings with Grandma and Grandpa in July 2004) 

My Grandma has always been a special woman.  She has been someone that I have looked up to as she has always been a strong woman that has accomplished quite a bit herself, including serving as Union County Auditor for 16 years.  She has always been a bit more reserved, but was always good at communicating how much she cared about you.  So many people have such great respect for her as she has always had such high integrity and care for others.  My Grandma and I have always had a connection, and for this I will be forever grateful.  It would be hard to see loved one's health begin to fail, but when Grandma started falling, and having strokes in 2006 and 2007...this took a toll on me.  She has dementia (Alzheimer's), and her strokes have left her with very limited mobility.  It has been so hard to watch her endure all that she has over the last 5+ years.  I try so very hard to treat her as I always have, and talk to her about normal stuff.  Even though I am unsure if she knows what I am talking about, but even this is really hard for me.  I guess I am just weak.  I do love her so very much and am thankful for the joy she has brought and continues to bring to my life.  (The picture above was from July 2004)

My Grandpa is also special to me.  I smile as I type this....as he is a jolly guy.  He ALWAYS has a story for you.  And he LOVES to tell stories about YOU when he is with you. I have heard many stories about when I was little (before I have the memories), and for this I am grateful.  Just the other day when he called me for my birthday, he reminded me of a story he has told me often.  When I was born I had to be rushed to Children's Hospital in Columbus (keep in mind this was 1979), but when he got off work the Marysville hospital asked my Grandpa to take vials of my mom's blood down to Children's.  That just makes me laugh as NOTHING like that would happen now.  But all of this to say, my Grandpa loves being around people and telling stories.  He has always been a very hard worker, and even after retiring constantly stayed busy.  He has created and built many things on their property and in their house.  Grandpa always lights up a room when he walks in because of how friendly and outgoing he is.  (The picture above is from July 2011)

Yes, they have been involved in my life very much over the past 32 years, even taking a train to Seattle to see Matt and I when we lived there in 2004-2005.  But what has amazed me even more has been to watch my Grandpa's devotion to my Grandma as her health deteriorated.  They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary right before Grandma started getting sick, but to this day he does not leave her side.  He takes care of her every day, all day long.  It is not an easy job as he must use a lift to get her out of bed, out of her chair, in the bathroom, to get her in her wheelchair - you get the idea.  He also feeds her and does all daily things for her.  He does this at 80 years old!  He also doesn't hesitate to take her to the hospital if things don't seem right.  He is even planning to take her to the beach in a few weeks.  It also amazes me how he talks to her and tries to include her in conversations all of the time.  He is so very good with her and to her. (The picture above is from Abby's wedding in July 2008)

In a world where it is so easy to give up and get a divorce, I take comfort in knowing that a marriage CAN go the distance.  True commitment and devotion does exist.  But it must be decision that both partners choose to make.  I love both of them so very much and I am thankful for what an example they have been to me my entire life, but especially right now as I watch my Grandpa show his true character and his devotion to my Grandma.  Thank you to both of you for being such role models to me. (The picture above is from July 2011 - my Grandpa showing his unwavering devotion)

I love you!

Here are a few more pictures from the last few years......

A picture of my Grandparents in 2004 - a collage I made for Grandpa's birthday

Grandpa with the twins in February/March 2009

Siblings and Emmi with Grandma in November 2009

Me with Grandma in Summer 2008

Emmi with Grandpa in July 2008