My mom was one of 10 children, so I have many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Some of my favorite Christmas memories are when we gathered at my grandparent’s modest home to celebrate. We’d have a turkey dinner, prepared by my grandmother and the other women in the family. I always sat at the “kid’s table” and loved sharing a meal with my cousins. This time spent with family was priceless!
Our family had these annual gatherings at the request of my grandmother, the true matriarch of the family. She was a kind, loving woman and lived her life by the Bible. My grandfather was the fun one, always looking for ways to entertain others. He liked playing games and enjoyed practical jokes. They both loved spending time with family!
My grandparents were married over 50 years and endured struggles with finances, health, and other challenges. They were biological parents to six children and adopted my grandfather’s four nieces and nephews, all under the age of four, when their parents both passed away. Other family members were going to separate the four of them, and my grandfather wouldn’t hear of it. He drove out to California and his family of eight, soon became a family of twelve. The church people in the town where they lived built two extra bedrooms and another bathroom for them. My grandparents were always so grateful for this labor of time and love!
I can see how very blessed I was by these two people. We lived about a football field away from them, so they played an important role in my upbringing, as well as my five siblings. They didn’t have much money, but they invested a lot of time in their family. They attended ballgames and concerts, and always supported us in every good thing we did.
During this Advent season, is there anyone who would benefit from your gift of time? It’s a simple thing, but one that can make a lasting impact.
Susan Meharg, Executive Assistant to Executive Team
