Today, Lilah, Jaxon, and I packed up the car to visit with Great Grandma Nana "aka" Darren's Grandmother. Being I have been with Darren since I've been 15 1/2, I've always felt as if she was my grandmother too. She's always treated me with love and kindness and certainly has been good to us during those gift giving times of the year. Nana lives in Roanoke. It's just a hop, skip and a jump from our home. Unfortunately, we do not visit with her often. My hope, after today, is that we try to make it over to her home more frequently, especially now that I know it's manageable with the twins.
Nana, who is 89, still maintains her career at Bolling Steel Company as one of the secretaries and the only "treasurer". She is proud to be titled that way. She has been faithful and loyal to the company for over 25+ years. To her disappointment, she has been out of commission due to a bug bite to her foot, which is ultimately debilitating her. As an elderly woman, who has a hard time getting around due to this bite, she has had to take a leave of absence. Nana enjoys going to work everyday and not being able to work has caused a little loneliness and depression, although she would never admit it. So, I felt it would be a nice treat for Lilah, Jaxon, and I to visit with her.
When we first got there, Lilah and Jaxon were shy. You can definitely tell Nana has much experience as well as wisdom. She knew to walk away and let me introduce the twins to her home and it's surroundings without her standing there intimidating them. After all, her face is not a familiar one. Before long, Lilah and Jaxon strutted their stuff around her home and made themselves quite comfortable.
When the nurse arrived to change Nana's foot dressing, we stepped outside for a little fresh air and outdoor play. When re-entered, I began unpacking their lunch and assembling their booster seats. Lilah and Jaxon were so well behaved. Virtually no food was thrown on the floor and they showed Nana much love.
It was time to leave. After we loaded up the car, we went back inside to say our goodbyes to Nana. You could tell that Nana was sad to see us go. She had tears in her eyes. We promised we'd be back again soon. Lilah refused a traditional kiss, but allowed Nana to kiss her hands all over. Lilah thought it was so funny and giggled a lot. Jax was so jealous of the attention Lilah was getting and reached up for me to hold him. When I picked him up, Jax leaned into Nana and kissed her on the lips. I was shocked because Jax, over all of our children, is the most shy and skittish. I could tell Lilah and Jaxon really enjoyed their time with Nana.
God has put restrictions on our involvement with the Bolling side of the family. We do not know if this "hold" is permanent or temporary. It's been an adjustment and it's been nerve wracking at times, but ultimately we know that God is sovereign over everything. We accept this change in our lives and have embraced it with gratitude. If it is God's will for the family to mend it's broken wounds great. If the wounds are never mended, we are okay with that too. God has blessed us with great gifts (Himself, each other, our children, other family and our family in Christ) and we do not feel we are lacking. We owe that all to HIM ABOVE.
Until next time Nana.... (We promise. There will be a next time.)
PS. Because Ty was unable to visit, he allowed me to give the puppet that he made in Kindergarten to Nana. I know it made her feel special.
