Just one more thing...

Tonight I spent the dinner hour with my parents, sister and her family, and my grandfather. 

It was humbling. 

Quite often I forget what it is all about.   Quite often I get lost in the "don't haves" and "can't do its" of my current moment in time.  So let me frame my evening for you with the following facts.

First, both children had napped, and were clean and smiling.  Second, my grandfather and I see each other every few weeks, but up until last year lived on the same plot of land, separated by a driveway.  Third, my grandfather has dementia and it is following the usual course.

 My youngest came out of the car seat and wrapped her arms around my father in a hug that lasted minutes.  My grandfather was happy to see all of us and seemed especially happy to get cuddles from his great grandchildren.  My oldest child was thrilled to be going to play with her "big cousin" and let out a shriek of joy when she saw him. The kids played nicely together, with the big taking care of the small, etc.

During dinner, my children ran, tipped things over, spilled, and did nearly everything but eat.  Just as my patience was about to wear thin to the point of snapping.  My grandfather looked at me and said "You've been blessed.  You have two beautiful and happy girls."   And you know what?  He's right. 

I am blessed to have them in my life.  I am blessed to have time with them that allows us to get under each other's skin.  I am blessed to have messes to clean up and teeth to brush and laundry to wash.  All of it means we are family.  We are living.  We are living together as a family.  It isn't always pretty, but it is a blessing.

And just one more thing, as we prepared to leave, my youngest climbed into her great grandpa's lap and leaned into his chest and began singing.  For a moment, I was able to see my grandfather as he was when I was a child; A mountain of a man who felt like the safest place for a child to rest.  Someone who would guard and guide me, protect and prepare me, and ultimately continue to teach me so much about life in very few words.  

I have been blessed.