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Monday, April 4, 2011

Two Bulbs

He sat next to her, and they nestled together like two bulbs planted in the same hole.

Owen and Grandma. She read him a book, and before turning the page, she lingered. Asking questions. Nodding her head as he replied. She studied his face and ran her fingers through his course hair.

Her cancer is not a secret. On the way over he asked,  "Is she better yet?"

"She's getting there," we said. "She's getting stronger every day."

He had an entire Sponge Bob gift bag of homemade cards for her---probably fifteen.  Many of them were his patented big ears, big body:
 "Grandma, those Gs are tricky," he said, pointing to her name. He had sat at our kitchen table, his tongue wedged to the roof of his mouth, concentrating. Perfecting the arch and crossing the line.

"I'll bet," she said. "Can you put this on my pile of special things?" Owen nodded, and placed his bounty on her pile, which included his drawings, letters, and get-well cards. On the very bottom, there was a poster, on which he wrote, "Grandma, thank you for being kind to me."

He didn't stay by her forever. Grandpa was there too, so there were pellets to put in the stove, cats to feed, and rivers to forge.

But when it was time to leave, he returned. He rested his head on her pillow, soaking her up. When he hugged her goodbye and whispered, "Love you, Grandma," her eyes grew softer and her voice cracked.

Two bulbs, forever intertwined. Two lives, pushing through the dirt. Escaping darkness. Blooming.

My mother-in-law is awaiting next steps, but the prognosis, today, at this moment, is good. Thank you for your support and prayers.

24 comments:

Formerly known as Frau said...

Ah Nancy my heart aches I hope she weathers this storm and many more stories can be enjoy by your boys.

TKW said...

So often, small children know just exactly what to do to comfort someone. Beautiful.

Ms. Moon said...

And you know this tugs at my heart. Fiercely.

Melani said...

This is a very touching post. I will pray for your mother-in-law. I have been out of the blog-loop...I am sorry.

Matty said...

Heartwarming. Children have a sense of things that adults don't. In his own way, he knows and cares, and shows it the only way a child can. He's the perfect pick-me-up for her.

God bless grandma and here's to hoping she keeps getting better.

Jenny said...

Oh, I am so sorry to read this. I will add her to our group prayer list. Sending hugs and hope your way.

Kim said...

This kills me Nancy. Gramma and Grampa are everything to my kids so I understand the kind of pain you all are experiencing. I'm happy to hear that today things look good. I hope they have many years to bloom together.

Thank you dear friend for the lovely comment on my post over at Blogher. You inspire me with every post and I feel so fortunate to have met you in this blog space.

Minivan Lover said...

Live for the moment. :)

CDG @ Move Over Mary Poppins! said...

What a precious boy.

And a good prognosis is a hopeful thing. We are thinking good thoughts for you!

Anonymous said...

Kids always know exactly what to do.

Anonymous said...

Such love between Grandma and grandson. Lovely words, Nancy. So sad at the same time. Thanks for sharing this with us.

michelle said...

This is beautiful, Nancy. Sending my best prayers your way.

xoxoxo

Alexandra said...

Children prove themselves over and over, to be a gift from the Lord.

Beautiful. I hope she feels your words, and our prayers, sent her way.

Julie said...

"Gs are tricky."

Oh, sweet boy. What a wonderful bit of life you've captured here.

They are pushing through. You are, too.

And your words never fail to move me.

Tina L. Hook said...

I adore that first line, two bulbs planted in the same hole.

Sending my prayers.

Unknown said...

now i'm crying. i'm glad things are going well and i continue to keep you all in my thoughts & prayers...
xoxoxo

Erin said...

Thanks for the summer shower to my soul! (Tears)
Uggh I hate cancer!!! I am sending all kinds of good thoughts your way!

Anonymous said...

So sweet. I'm sure his presence and love are healing balms to her body and soul.

McKenna said...

What a beautiful moment, how sweet your little guy is. You and your family are in my thoughts, I hope your mother-in-law continues to improve. It sounds like she is surrounded with love.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Ohh Nancy, this is exquisite. God bless Owen and bless his grandma.
xo jj

Ash said...

Oh sweet Owen. Love his big-eared people.

I appreciate medical treatment for sure, but I'm betting the cards and whispered sweet nothings are what is making the real difference. So happy to read good news.

Coby said...

Just beautiful. What a sweet boy you've got! Continuing to pray for your mother in-law.

nicole@whendidibecomemymom.com said...

So much love. I wish you, your mother-in-law, and your whole family good luck in dealing with this...

StarTraci said...

Oh how the children can brighten the day and break the heart! My love and prayers to you and your MIL. I know that you know I understand such loss.

All my best,
Traci