Blessed...

Aging...it's a process I'm getting a new perspective of.  I see changes in myself and my lifestyle as I grow into a grown up.  I'm most of all noticing those around me growing older.  Though the plans of having children aren't priority for Jon and I yet, are my parents really old enough to have grandchildren??  When did this happen?

I'm mostly thinking about this topic because of my grandparents.  I've been extremely blessed to have grown up with 2 sets of wonderful grandparents.  Grandpa M. and Grandma M. lived right next door and a personal relationship was easily and naturally formed.  Grandpa and Nanny lived 12 hours away and with the aide of phone calls, letters, and trips there and here we also formed a meaningful relationship that only grew stronger when I chose their hometown college to attend and was able to visit them several times a week for laundry, meals, love, advice and comfort.  Where did the time go when Grandpa M. could lift me and toss me into the ocean or pool on one of our trips to Florida?  When did Grandpa get too physically tired to work hours in his workshop?

As I've watched Grandpa and Nanny move from their home to a condo and watched Grandma M. move Grandpa M. into a nursing home where he can get better care I wonder where the time goes.  I could cry and cry about the failing health of my grandfathers (and I often do) but mostly I'd like to think about all the wonderful years they've spent influencing the lives of others.  Grandparents are truly grand and special.  I hope that my grandparents always know how much their love and support has meant to all of us.  

They're aging, but doing it with class and grace.  Feeling blessed...