Celebrating Life: Young and Old(er)

 

            Saturday was a full day for us. We volunteered at our church’s clothing boutique in the morning, and while there, I had the privilege to hold a sweet, seven-week-old baby girl while her mama shopped for clothes for their family. She was the sweetest little peanut, fast asleep in my arms, mouth open, the occasional hiccup disrupting her.

            I stared at her while she slept, because who can’t stare at the innocence and beauty of a sleeping baby? Her whole life stretches before her, yet to be known and for a few minutes on a Saturday morning, I had the chance to be part of her story – to keep her snuggly warm and safe while she was away from her mama for just a bit.

            After that, we traveled back toward home to celebrate Ryan’s dad, who retired after a long career of diligent work. We gathered with family for lunch, and Ryan sat next to his grandma. She’s had such a deep impact on his life from the very start. Ryan and his brother spent a lot of time with her on weekends over the years.

            His grandma lives in assisted living now and seems to be adjusting well and loving it. She is always smiling and giggling and seems to be in good health, even well into her nineties. It was fun to watch the two of them sit and talk about everything from the menu to daily routines to physical therapy.

            Our next stop on the family trail was to see Ryan’s grandpa, who has dementia. He’s a happy one, though, always smiling. Between his fragile memory and his difficulty hearing, it is really hard to have a conversation with him now, but we were glad to see him, and he seemed to know us and be happy that we were there.

            And then we stopped to see my parents and celebrate my mom’s recent birthday.  We saw them not too long ago, but it was good to catch up with them again and hear about her birthday fun. (And possibly sample some of the birthday goodies around the house.)

            From babies to seniors, our day was filled with reminders of every phase of life. Lives yet to be lived and lives well-lived. Thankful for the chance to know and be part of each story and to be impacted – challenged and reminded – to live well with our own lives.