A Life Like This

Some lives impact you in a way that will forever change things. It is a rare person who ages with grace as beautiful as they had in their youth. It's uncommon to allow others to help you in a way that is grateful and not greedy. It's unheard of to be kinder in your weakness than you were in your strength. But that has been my Memaw.

She's loved me regardless and I knew it. When I brought my husband into the family, she accepted him completely. Each child I birthed, she loved unconditionally. Even in the recent years when she stayed with me to give my parents respite, she never once complained about coming. Yet I know it's been hard on her. She misses home but doesn't say it. She always thanks me on the way back for a "wonderful visit".

I say all this to say that when I grow up, I want to be like Memaw. I want my life in youth to be as tender and loving as it is in aging and dying. She is dying now. They say it won't be long. I got to see her last weekend, we sang songs together. She loves music like me.

This week someone who's home-bound said to me, "What's my purpose now?" And I thought of Memaw and how she loved, even when she could give nothing else. That's the greatest purpose of all. There is always someone to love, to thank, to encourage, or to sing with. Memaw did that her whole life; and she didn't stop just because she got old and lost her functions. I guess it's probably obvious, but want to be her when I grow up.

More Posts about Memaw: Memaw's Best Bits,  Stop, Sit and Listen, Creativity Does Extraordinary Things