What Do Spanish Peanuts, Flannel Shirts and Buck Owens have in Common?

GRATEFUL GIRL'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Wow. August already. Hmm; that escalated quickly, no? 

Actually, this day is always a bittersweet one for me. I mean, it is sweet because clearly, we still have at least a full month of summer left. I'm glass half full that way. 

But bitter not only because two months of summer are kaput...but also, it's the anniversary of the death of my maternal grandfather. It's been exactly 33 years since we got the sad call from my Grami. Guess what? To this day, the thought of it makes me cry.

Because I adored my Grampa; he was wonderful. Tall and lanky and always quick to scoop me up in a big hug. I remember his penchant for flannel shirts and suspenders. He passed along a love of coin collecting to his grandkids; particularly to my brother, who also shares Grampa's interest in pocket watches.

I recall how much he liked Spanish peanuts and watching "Hee Haw" -- so I did, too. How I miss him.

Probably what I miss most about him is the way he made me feel like I was a very important and special little gal in this big old world. I thought I appreciated that feeling back then but now, as an adult who's been in said big old world for nearly half a century, I am painfully aware how rare a gift it is to receive such unabashed, unconditional, unwavering, you-are-just-the-best support and love and genuine caring. It's something reserved typically for immediate family members and the closest of friends but is never a given. 

So especially today, when I'm feeling far from smart or capable or terrific in any way, just the thought of how loved and protected and special Grampa made me feel ... well, that sure does help pick me up out of the dark and into that August sunlight, Capisce?

In case no one's mentioned it to you today; you're pretty special in the world, too. Pass it on.

​#IloveyouGrampa


Ps 103:6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13 R. (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful. The LORD secures justice and the rights of all the oppressed. He has made known his ways to Moses, and his deeds to the children of Israel. Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. He will not always chide, nor does he keep his wrath forever. Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him. R. Alleluia, alleluia. The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; All who come to him will live for ever.