In a short span of a few weeks, Brad and I got to experience the exciting beginning of life with the birth of our first grandchild and then go on to visit my mom in her mature life in the nursing home. Jagur, as a baby, being completely dependent on his parents for his well-being and now my mom in her mature years being dependent too on those of us who love her for her well-being. That’s the circle of life.

So many similarities like Jagur learning to hold his head up and roll over and my mom trying to hold herself up straight when her bent body wants to lean to one side. Then there’s Jagur kicking his legs and moving his arms in constant motion as babies do and my mom and the nursing home residents and their helpers trying to keep their bodies moving by clapping their hands and kicking their legs from a sitting position to music. Young and old seem to delight in music. It touches my heart so to enjoy seeing this new life in motion and my mom trying so hard to keep her dear bones moving. Here’s this woman who was tall and stately now bent and crooked but still fighting to have a life. A beautiful thing to see!! It is a beautiful thing for me to witness my daughter speaking sweet encouragements to her new little one and being so patient with his crying out to have his needs met and on the other end, the sweet words of encouragement that the aides speak to my mom and the other residents and their kind patience in trying to meet the needs of each person. Thank You, Lord for moms and nurses aides. Couldn’t live without them. Then there’s doctor appointments where you’ve arleady had the battle of getting the baby ready and he spit up on his outfit and he had to be changed before you go out the door and you’re carrying all the “baby stuff” you have to have when you go out. On the other end it is ringing the bell to get help to get dressed and to go to the potty and brush your teeth and that all takes so much time now that you need to add an hour before you even go out the door. God made life very interesting , didn’t He?! I could go on but I’ll stop here.

When life gets really small, being able to get out to be a part of the world again is very precious. On the first day of our visit, we took Mama to our favorite place to eat for lunch and then to my brother, Bill’s to have a visit and get her winter clothes. We had a lovely couple of hours with Bill and his wife. (It’s their beautiful home on the video above.) When we got back to Lynn Haven, Mama said, “Thank you for a wonderful day!!” The leaves were turning their beautiful Fall colors and we got to drive among them 30 minutes each way into town and back. It is a very rural drive and just so beautiful. So peaceful and gorgeous with a clear blue sky and the sun shining thru the trees. When each day was finished, Mama would again say what a wonderful day it had been and how wonderful it had been to be out in the world again and in such beauty. We were privileged to give her that enjoyment.

Nine of our family members came together for lunch while visiting Mama. The big topic of conversation was the Georgia/Auburn game that coming week-end. My first cousin, Charles, that you see in the video, is a HUGE Georgia fan. Life is not complete for him without football so he lives for football season. Fortunately he got his wish for his team to win because my college team, Auburn, was massacred!! Since Mama can’t hear, she just enjoys being among us (and getting kisses and hugs from each of us) and enjoys her food. My mom LOVES food and she was engrossed in her large stuffed baked potato while we caught up on each other’s lives. She says “the Durham’s always know when it’s mealtime!! True for me!!

As I was writing in my “Gratitude” journal on the plane coming home, I could think of at least 50 things to thank God for on our trip. He is ALWAYS soooo faithful. I am so thankful to have my mom still with me and the health, and the money to go see her and my wonderful champ of a husband to do it with.

WE can’t wait to have baby Jagur here with us for Christmas. I was thinking today, we will put him on a pallet on the floor and just let him be the center of attention!!

Thank you all for checking in on life with me. I know many of you are dealing with aging parents so you will identify with the joys and sorrows of that as well as the joy of grandchildren!!

HAPPY THANSGIVING!! WE have much to be thankful for. I am for you.

Ginny