Making Memories

Today more special memories were made. Norm's parents came over for dinner to celebrate Bethany's birthday and Mother's Day. Bethany got spoiled, again, and loved opening her presents.

Later Norm's mom handed me a little package, and told me she got me something special because she knew it would be a hard Mother's day for me. Actually, I've been dreading it, though I know how blessed I am, there's such a pain. Yet, I see these nine other healthy, living chidren, and wow . . . I am indeed blessed. Anyway, I opened the package and got some special chocolates, and then a pretty box with a flower on top. Inside was a beautiful ceramic type heart that opened up and inside that Norm's mom had drawn a small picture of Matthew. It touched my heart so much. She then showed me how the picture could come out, and on the back was a picture of him as a little boy. Of course, the tears came, and she worried some that she upset me, but Norm kept telling her, "it was the perfect gift" and it was. Norm's mom draws beautiful pictures and portraits. I asked her if she had drawn a big one and sized it down, and she said she had, and I told her sometime I'd love to have one. In a few minutes she gave me the big picture. She said she hesitated, because she wanted to make sure I was ready. It's a beautiful portrait, and she gave me permission to share it on our webpage. She also made bookmarks for each of us, with Matthew's 16 year picture and baby pictures. I just cannot say enough how much this meant, and that even as a hurting grandma, took the time to draw this and give it as a gift. Though this sting of death is so new, these are bittersweet treasures that will be held dear until we can see Jesus and our family is whole again in heaven.