I took my grandmother out to eat tonight for her 87th birthday, only I’m a month behind. ”Sorry, Grandma,” I said casually, “for not taking you out earlier.” She kindly retorted, “I haven’t seen you in forever.”
Forever might be an exaggeration, but not by much. I haven’t seen her in almost seven and a half months. My paternal grandmother is one of the few blood relatives that I still have, and she’s aging more rapidly every year. My sister and I used to joke that she would live to see the century mark, but these days I’m not so sure anymore. Sure, her independence is remarkable. She’s one of the few 87 year old women I see doing her own grocery shopping and taking the bus downtown. One would not expect any less from this iron-willed pioneer who left everything (twice) to immigrate to this country.
Still, her fragility is apparent; she needed help changing out the battery in her wall clock because she couldn’t manage to pull the back panel off. Moreover, her vulnerability is frightening given the fact that she has been the backbone of this family for so long. All I could do is assure her that she has done a wonderful job raising resilient, if not stubborn children, and even more stubborn grandchildren. Tonight, over a bowl of noodles, she reminded me to pray, to study God’s word, and to live a life in which Christ comes first, and family comes second.
Happy birthday, Grandma. Although I haven’t been a great grandson, I promise that this coming year will be different. You’ve done a great job carrying this family. I think it’s my turn now.
I wish I could’ve understood all the Korean that was spoken at dinner. Great post.
Thanks for the comment. It looks like it did some good too. I think some of the others are going to visit her soon.