The Sweetest Word of
All
Jeanette Berry, September 1996
When first he
called me sweetheart,
My youthful knees grew weak.
And that was topped when I heard "wife"
For sure I'd reached the peak.
Until a tiny voice said "Mom"
A joy I still recall.
But now, the sound of "Mom-Mom"
Is the sweetest word of all
The above poem was
sent to me by my daughter-in-law, Kathy, when we had only two
little infant grand-daughters. It has now been on my
refrigerator for years as one of my most valued treasures.
The toll of grandchildren is now six; five girls and one little
boy. We appreciate Proverbs 17:6, "Children's children
are the crown of old men...". A crown denotes a king and
that's exactly how one feels surrounded by these precious little
beings called grandchildren.
When I became a
grandmother, I set some grandmother goals:
1. I wanted
to be part of my grandchildren's lives.
2. I wanted to share my faith with them, building a
foundation so that when their world begins to crumble (as does
everyone's at some point in their life) they would know there was
The Rock beneath them.
3. I want to reinforce the values that my children are
teaching them, giving them a living example, and adding to that
they receive from their parents.
4. Above all I want them to know and feel the love I have
for them even as my children knew that my mom loved them.
Unless God is
especially generous to Tom and I regarding our life span, we do
not have a lot of time to accomplish these goals. The two
oldest, Heather and Megan live in Atlanta. We only see them
once or twice a year. Kathy has been a dream in keeping our
relationship alive and vital in the girl's lives. She sends
pictures constantly. Birthday parties, special events,
holidays are all recorded for us. When they were born she
told me when they were old enough they could come each summer and
spend time with us. True to her word, they have come
regularly. The other four cousins spend every moment
possible with them. The house is full of noise and fun...and
of course, occasional bickering.
We talk a lot.
They learn of their daddy's growing up years; where he lived and
the things he said and did. Each of them still find it hard
to believe that their daddy was once my little baby. They
get to hear their grandfather preach and in our home absorb the
faith that motivates our lives.
Any worthwhile goal
takes time, effort, money, and a vision. Tom and I sense
anew the importance of our relationship with each of our
grandchildren. It thrills me to hear, "Mom-Mom, Can I go
with you?" With these goals in mind, how can I refuse.
Copyright © 2008 Truth Helpers Inc.
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