I Hit the Jackpot!

It has been a rough couple of weeks around here.  The Friday after school started my Mom called right after school to let me know that my Granny was really sick and if we wanted to see her, we should probably hop in the car and head that direction.  So, even though my family lives about three hours away, we did, and I'm so glad.  Even though Granny was in the hospital, she was still alert and recognized both of us as soon as we came in the room.  Jeremiah has a way with older people, and like most others her age, she has fallen for his charm.  She has told me over and over again that he is her buddy and that I hit the jackpot when I got him.  She is so right. 

Before she got really sick and had to be moved to the hospital, she was in a nursing home near my parents' house.  Whenever my Dad visited her and we were in town he usually took Jeremiah with him.  Jeremiah wasn't put off at all by any of the medical equipment or the hospital bed.  He would sit right on the edge of the bed and chat with her.  The last time we were there over the summer, we took these pictures of Jeremiah and his cousins Max and Mackenzie, with Granny. 

While we were there the weekend after school started the doctor basically told us there wasn't anything else they could do and they moved my Granny to the Hospice House to make her comfortable.  Again, I know Jeremiah is my son, but I'm just telling you he is an amazing kid.  While we were there he stayed with me and my sister at the hospital all afternoon on Saturday and went back for more on Sunday morning.  He sat by the bed and held Granny's hand and fed her ice chips from a cup.  Then, when she was moved to the Hospice House, he begged to go there to see her all settled before we left town on Sunday to come home.  As an adult, this was an incredibly hard thing, but there was my son right beside me the whole time holding up like a trooper.  My Granny is right - I hit the jackpot.

I knew this even more last week when my Dad called with the news that Granny had gone to heaven.  I was upset, and I know Jeremiah was too, but he was only concerned about me.  I think he asked me a hundred times if I was okay or if I needed anything.  Despite my sadness, I was incredibly proud watching the wonderful young man he has become serving as a pall bearer for my grandmother. 

Not only have I hit the jackpot with my son, but with my family as well.  Even though the occasion was a sad one, we took advantage of the chance for all of us to be together and the kids just enjoyed being able to spend time with each other.  It's hard to be three hours away from them so this weekend was really special.

Jeremiah and my Dad in their almost matching outfits.

Gwyn and Max in a rare moment of love - right after this pic they hated each other again!

My crazy sisters, Tabby and Brittany

Jeremiah and Gwyn have loved each other like crazy since the beginning. 

She used to call him My Miah.

Jeremiah and Mackenzie also have a love/hate relationship  - depends on the day and who is pestering who.

My Mom with the little kids - Gwyn and Ozzy.

As you can see, things might get rough every now and then, but I have hit the jackpot in more ways than one and I am so blessed.  Thank you God for my blessings and please help me to focus on them and to trust in You to get me through the rough spots.