On one of my many trips to visit my grandchildren, the seven-year old had a few very pointed questions for me, as children often do. It had to do with my being old and the fact that I am showing my age. But, this is all something new if you’re only seven.
I am blessed with eight grandchildren, each one different and special in his or her own way. Since I had three sons, the Lord has chosen to give me three grandsons and also five granddaughters so that I have been in a position to learn more about the pink aisle than I had previously.
My oldest grandson, Ryan, is studying to be a dermatologist so he’s more than familiar with the aging process. Kaeli, Kyle and Vivian are old enough that they definitely recognize it in me but are far too kind to say anything. Renley, at ten, has been through so much herself in her short life as she awaits a heart transplant, that her grama getting old is no big deal. Emmi (6) and Larsson (3) are too busy learning new things to care. But, Elli (7) is like her Gigi and asks A LOT of questions.
One day, as she held my hand in hers, she began examining it and I knew what was coming. “Gigi, why are your hands so wrinkled? And, what are those lines sticking up?” My son heard her ask and jumped up in alarm, attempting to stop her from being rude. I assured him it was ok. I tried to explain about old age and that a long time ago my hands looked like hers. “What are those brown spots?” Of course, they’re called “age spots”. Just to rub it in, it would seem… 🙁
A number of years ago I began to notice my neck was shaking. Apparently, others had noticed it, too. I became very paranoid about it and tried to stop it from shaking when I felt it (Recall Kathryn Hepburn in On Golden Pond). In researching it, I discovered this condition is called Essential Tremor. Seriously? Hate to be rude, but who’s the idiot who named it ESSENTIAL tremor???
So, next on the list of queries was: “Gigi, why do you shake all the time?” (Oh, ugh. And, to think I thought I was doing a pretty good job of hiding this malady). Here comes the explanation:
“So, you have an ipad. It’s new and it works great. But, it does have to be charged to keep it going. Eventually, it will get too old, have to be re-charged more often and then become out-dated and you’ll have to get a new one or do without it. I am your old ipad who has to be re-charged more and more frequently and eventually will stop working. But, as long as I can, I will do my best to keep going.”
Her response? “Oh.” And, then she hugs me. Because I’m still here. And, old or not, we still have today.
“And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Thy strength to this generation.” (Psalm 71:18)
“Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow; you are like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14)
Oh Teri, you are a beautifully transparent grama with your grands, and wise in teaching them life issues. Your example is appreciated!
How precious that Elli is closely watching, listening, and learning! May I be so attentive to those God sends into my life.
Big Hug! (I had a dermatologist appointment recently and relate to a “few” things you’ve mentioned!) 😊
Verses are great!🙌
Thanks Teri! We’re at that point they say, “It’s all down hill from here!” Yikes…a good lesson in aging “gracefully!” Thanks for giving me a hint on how to “deal”. My 3 year old grandson informed me one day, “Grandma! Your boobs are huge, they’re just huge!” You never know what’s coming!!!
Thank you Teri for how beautifully you were able to “teach” your granddaughter about the aging process….as well as us who have, or will join you soon in needing to do the same! You always say just the right thing! What a gift!❤️🤗🙏🏻
Hard to fight thru this 4th quarter but in the end all we have to do is finish(hopefully well)and we win! Great news! Thx for great pictures of life Teri!
Love it when my granddaughter raises my arm and put her hand around my wrist and pulls her little hand down my arm trying to take out the wrinkles. Somehow they always pop right back. 😉 Thank you for your openness and faithful sharing. Blessings to you!❤
Warms my heart 🙂 Thank you!
This made me laugh because I thought of my conversations with my grandma and the conversations my granddaughters had with me. A trip down memory lane. Precious moments.
Thank you for sharing.
Elli interviews me daily as though I’m the White House press secretary. I can sympathize
Ryan……I’m counting on Ryan….! Every time I look in the mirror now….hurry up Ryan! 🙂