Gifts

It’s been a very rainy summer so far.  Our Fourth of July consisted of 60 degrees and rainstorms all day. 

I love looking around outside and seeing so much green everywhere!  Considering we were in a middle of a drought the past few years, this rain is a huge blessing!  But now I’m ready for the sun!  smile

Summer has been lazy and enjoyable.  Matt’s mom is spending another summer with us.  I’ve always loved having her here but have come to realize in the past few years what a tremendous GIFT having her here has been for our family.  

I was raised overseas and saw my grandparents every three or four years.  My parents did a good job keeping us as connected as possible (I can still recall all those many ham radio conversations.  “Over and out.”) but it’s not the same as having them physically present.

Mimi, as she is affectionately called by her grandchildren, is a bundle of energy.  She is always up for a trip somewhere, a hike to the fields, baking cookies, playing games and reading books.  I feel so blessed that my children get to experience a grandmother on a daily basis for several weeks at a time.  I enjoy the adult conversation during the day and the companionship for our many field trips.

Mimi is coming with us to Ethiopia to get our daughter.  As Matt described it, we want her with us in the delivery room!  I cannot think of a better gift from anyone, to be willing to travel halfway around the world to witness the birth of a third child into our family. 

As I get older, my idea of what a perfect gift has changed.  I used to value stuff (and don’t get me wrong, I can produce a list of what I’d like).  I am seeing as the years march on how time with those who mean the most to us is the MOST important gift.  Time with grandparents is especially treasured as there is also a passage of family legacy from one to another. 

I am excited for Desta (that will be her name when she enters our family) to experience being part of such a rich and wonderful legacy.  It’s a good thing.