Advent | Week 1 | Monday

Memories on Mondays

Today, Larry and Rachael’s oldest 2 grandchildren, Kep & Kimmie’s children, share some of the ways that their grandparents have created meaningful connection with them.

Josie:  I remember more Thanksgiving times than Christmas days with my Pop-Pop and Nana. As I think back about Pop-Pop, I remember the times we spent together.  He would often ask me to join him for breakfast or coffee – I would have a macchiato.   He always talked to me as an adult.  I could tell how much he wanted to get to know me.  During our breakfast times he would ask me deep questions, sometimes he’d tell me what was going on in him (his red-dot), and sometimes we would just enjoy each other’s company.  I remember driving through the parades of lights while listening to Elvis Christmas music – and Pop knew every word of each song.

Nana and I have a special bond since I’m the first of her grandchildren, which is probably why she likes me the best.  My Nana always loved a bigger crowd than Pop for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving.  She enjoyed coordinating a large feast for all the friends and family she had over.

As I remember Pop during this holiday, he always pointed us toward Jesus. His life and love has left a mark on my life and I can’t wait to see him again in glory.

Jake:  As I look back on Crabb family holiday times, I remember sitting with Pop in front of the fire-place as he would read stories to Josie and me.  For many years each Thanksgiving Pop would place handwritten 3×5 card letters under each person’s plate.   We would all read our letter to ourselves before Pop blessed the dinner.  I still have my letters from those times today and often read them and remember my Pop-Pop.  Of all the many letters he wrote me, I recall one the most.  I was in high school and going through a rough patch in my walk with Jesus.  Pop sent me a letter and it said this: “I know the man you are, live to be that man!”  I still have that letter.

I recall for most birthdays that we lived close to my grandparents going to dinner with just me and the two of them.  Nana and Pop would then each ask me questions about my life and future.  Nana would write down my answers and later would give me those birthday questions.  I also remember sleeping over at Nana’s and in the morning having HoneyBell Oranges with sprinkles for breakfast.  She has always been the quintessential grandmother, and I know she loves me.

• Is there a child or teen in your life for whom you can offer non-demanding attention and affirmation?
• What would it look like for you to spend time with that person with no greater goal that being attentive to and reflective of the unique way that they are created in the image of God?