Grandma Smith

The world is a better place because my grandma Smith was part of it.  She lived nobly, feisty, true, and kind for 88 years, leaving her inspiring mark on many souls.  And lately I find myself thinking a lot about her.  I always loved my grandma, she made every one feel like the favorite, I miss her.  But something happened when I had my boy # 3.  I felt an instant connection to her.  If anyone knew how to handle 3 rambuncious boys it was grandma.  Over the past 3 plus years as I've "experienced" the cacophony, insanity, tenderness, (yes there are tender moments) and joy of 3 boys, my thoughts often turn to her. 
"She did this too", I think to myself, and the bond forges stronger.
  "What and how would grandma handle this situation," is a question I often ponder. 

 

(Bracken's blessing day Sunday, September 3rd)

         
Grandma, like me had three boys right in a row.  There was no little girl to change things up for her either, just the steady stream of boy energy.  I've heard childhood tales of boyisms, that my mother's brothers performed, that make me shudder a little and then smile because those boy moments sound a little familiar.  Eventually, after 3 boys, grandma had a sweet girl and then years later another sweet little girl, -my mom.   Yes, eventually she had the pink to balance out all that blue.  With the birth of my fourth boy the blue in my world stretches on as far as the eye can see.  I feel outnumbered all the time, not in a bad way, just outnumbered.  Sometimes my heart yearns for a little pink.  But I am so grateful, so grateful for these boys of mine, so grateful to be their mom.  I pray that I'll be up to the task.  I pray for patience and that my boys will grow into men of honor and goodness.  At those times when my prayers get a little more intense and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, and perhaps a little alone in this sea of blue, I sense my grandma close.  I know she's cheering me on, helping me out, loving and encouraging me, still leaving her mark on my soul.