There’s always a story behind the scenes, right?
This story begins in the sixties when Ma-Ma (my paternal grandmother) coaxed me into her big ol’ car with the promise of a fudge sickle when we returned. She knew my love language was sugar.
Within minutes, we arrived at a worn, brick nursing home.
The floors were beige linoleum squares with bright specks and the walls were lined with wheelchairs, holding people who longed to be held.
With one folded arm, Ma-Ma held her purse that snapped taut on top, and with the other, she held my hand along with a bag of hard candy. Although we were there to visit one of Ma-Ma’s friends, she handed out peppermints to everyone, covering their hands with her nubby knotted fingers, ravaged by arthritis.
Driving home, Ma-Ma talked about how much our visit meant to her friend. The long goodbyes and multiple hugs made that obvious even to an eight-year-old little girl. I wish I could say that over time I joyfully lept into her Oldsmobile without a fudgy coaxing, but it felt like drudgery… until the ride home.
Twenty years later…
I had two little boys of my own. Below our church sat a small brick assisted living center. I’d not visited one since those days with Ma-Ma but I was drawn to it like an eight-year-old to a fudge sickle. The first morning I visited, the stench of soiled sheets was so strong I could barely catch a clean breath. But then I saw a familiar sight⏤wheelchairs lined along a cement block wall, filled with people who smell it every day, all day. I could smell fresh air later.
Over the next eight years, I smuggled in 2-liter Dr. Peppers, fig bars, cards, postage stamps, and hard candy.
On some weekends, our whole family visited. Brian played the guitar, I shared a devotion, and Brandon, still in elementary school, dressed up like a clown and juggled for the crowd. Zach, the youngest son, was petted and passed around like a cute puppy. After our visits, we’d head to TCBY, the modern-day fudge sickle, and I repeated Ma-Ma’s words with a smile. You have no idea how happy you made them today.
Twenty years later…
The boys have children of their own. They, along with their wives and children, serve the Lord faithfully (all glory to God). Zach’s family lives twenty minutes from us, and Brandon’s is in Ohio. Before the pandemic struck, Zach’s small group at our church, including the kids, began visiting the residents of a local assisted living center.
Two Weeks Ago…
While driving the two older grandchildren home, we talked about pulling out my rubber stamps and making cards. Six-year-old Gabe asked if we could make cards for those “older people who all live in that one house together,” perfectly describing the residents at the local assisted living center. Smiles stretched across both of their faces and plans were soon underway. I upped my insurance policy and began digging through the closet to find craft supplies from long ago.
Last Weekend…
Before we started stamping, we talked about how a lot of people assume older folks know Jesus, and how it’s not true. So each card includes a scripture verse or a written reminder of God’s love. That night, before bedtime, we prayed for the people who will receive the cards.
I couldn’t help but wonder if Ma-Ma was peeking down from above with a smile as she witnessed her kindness toward an often forgotten generation coming full circle.
We celebrated the completion of our twenty cards with the first batch of homemade ice cream in our new maker. After all, some things never change.
Thank you for stopping by Creative Pauses from The Tiny House on the Hill!
Bi-weekly posts invite you to come in from the craziness of life, take a seat, and pause awhile, allowing your soul to be refreshed with God’s truth and promises.
Each month, I send subscribers of this community a letter from The Tiny House on the Hill that includes:
- Practical but meaningful ways to draw closer to God
- Creative ways to show God’s love to your family, friends, and strangers
- The latest happenings at the house, my books, and ministry
- What I’m reading in the Book Nook
- A favorite (often family) recipe
- A FUN giveaway…and more!
It’s pithy but packed with grace-filled goodness.
So, come on over and sit a spell. I’d love to get to know you!
What a wonderful family tradition!
I owe all my thanks to Ma-Ma. We never know how God might use our faithfulness today to influence the generations to come. Blessings, friend.
What a beautiful tradition! Thank you for sharing your experiences over the years. Can’t wait to meet your Ma-Ma in heaven!
I’m sure she’ll enjoy meeting you too, Evelyn. I’m very thankful for the legacy she left behind. Thanks so much for taking the time to share. Blessings!
Years of working in Retirement and Assisted Living Communities in both management and marketing it was pure joy to read this post. I recall the Residents who had no family, what joy it gave them to have visitors. It doesn’t surprise me at all that you would continue your Grandmother’s example of love and kindness.
You’re kind, Elaine. Thank you. ((( HUGS )))
Love this, Cathy! Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you, Crickett! Blessings, friend.
What a beautiful story of a beautiful circle! Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Thank you for the kind words and for taking the time to share them. Blessings, friend!
I know Jim will love his card from your grandchildren! It is a precious thing to train our little-ones in these types of activities. Cathy, you caused me to remember the Chicken Soup story I wrote about Brooke volunteering at a nursing home and how she had her nails polished by a child when she was in hospice. What beautiful circles.
I remember that story. So sweet! Thanks for sharing. I hope it will brighten his day. 🙂
How my sister and I loved to visit the “old folks’ home” with our Granny when we were girls. We always sang for them and frequently asked to go. Now, my sweet sister visits her dear husband in a nursing home near her. How I wish I could go with her! It’s a long way from NC to south FL. But, I can send him a card. Thanks for this lovely reminder. We often get so busy with our lives that we forget those far away, or even just around the corner. Blessings to you my friend.
Yes, I’d forgotten the term “old folk’s home.” I’m glad she’s able to visit her husband as so many are closed to all visitors. No doubt your card will brighten his day. 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to share, Debbie. Blessings!
Simply beautiful, Cathy. So enjoyed learning about this family tradition.
Thank you, Karen. I appreciate you stopping by!
Love this post! Sharing such a wonderful generational story and bringing those precious grands along the way with you. 🙂 Perfect! You are building memories and living as an example, making messes and having fun along the way. Yay!.
We are definitely making messes, Angie! Ha! I thought we’d be able to confine the stamps to one foldout table but craft supplies stretched over to the 8′ long farm table. Ha! But it was a glorious mess indeed. Thanks for sharing!
Praise God for HIs way of embracing those who know the value of love when it visits. Thank you for caring and for allowing your kids to learn the joy of giving rather than receiving.
I’m thankful for a grandmother (actually two) that were beautiful examples of how to love. Blessings, friend!
I love how your family has visited the elderly throughout the years. I agree – there is often a focus on ministering to younger adults and teens; forgetting that older people might be in the same spiritual place as them.
Thank you, Robin. I’m thankful for a grandmother who led the way. 🙂 I appreciate you taking the time to share.
What a precious legacy, Cathy. The telling alone warms my heart. <3
Thank you, Sandra. I’m thankful for the legacies both sets of grandparents left. 🙂 Blessings!
Wonderful legacy your grandmother started that you have now passed on to future generations. How pleased Jesus must be.