A Letter to My Granny

Hi Granny,

I miss you! It's been a very long time since we had a fruitful conversation--one where I share my joys and fears and where you implement your favorite and most anointed phrase-- "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand."

Life has been different these past few years. I find myself sad so often--because life changes so much! And while I appreciate and am motivated by change, somethings, like you, I never thought would or wanted to change. It hurts that God has our family going through so many things at once--I want to be you, but Granny,you have big..huge shoes to fill! :)

You would be happy to know, that I cook breakfast for Jocelyn on Saturday and Sunday mornings.. that she wears dresses to church and that her ears are clean. And, Jeremy has gained a little bit of weight. I still can't cook candy yams or make your dressing but I can bake a good cake and a mean pancake! I'm still taking care of Mom--not physically but emotionally, just like you taught me. I listen and pray, love her and laugh (with and at her).

I pray like you taught me and read my bible every morning-- I don't get on my knees like you did until your knees got bad (like 3 years ago) but I listen in church and don't turn around to see who's coming in the door. :)-- Even Jocelyn claps and shouts "Hallelujah" from time to time.

Oh-- I created a team for you for the Alzheimer's Association walk here in Durham-- Jeremy, Jocelyn, some friends and myself have signed up to walk for you and others who suffer from this disease. We even had friends who donated!! It's important for me to do something since I'm not a neurologist and can't find a cure for you, you know?

I hope I've made you proud, Granny-- you've taught me so much! I look forward to being you to my grandchildren in 25-30 years.

Be good and nice to the other ladies on your floor! I love you-- so much!

Your baby,
Ash