Special Lady

We recently had a baby shower in our church, and one of the ladies asked all the grandmothers in the room to say something to the new grandmother--word of advice, special memories, etc.  That got me thinking about my own grandmothers.  I loved them both, but I don't have many memories of them.  My dad's mother passed away when I was very young, and my mom's mother passed away when I was in 9th grade.  The few memories I do have of them, I hold very dear.

Listening to the grandmothers speak that day, I realized the important role a grandmother has, and the impact she has on her grandchildren.  While I didn't have that close relationship with my own grandmothers, I am blessed to have had wonderful ladies that have kind of filled that gap.  One such very dear lady is my Aunt Linda.  (Now, Aunt Linda, I know you're not old enough to actually BE my grandmother, and that's not what I mean, so don't take it that way, OK!)  She not really even my aunt, but I've known her since I was 3 years old.

Now THIS lady I have memories of!  We moved into the house across the street from her those many years ago, and I know it's of God when I look back at our relationship.  I have always been close to her.  She lived about 30 minutes away from where I went to college, and I would go over to her house just about every weekend.  My parents were in Africa when I was in college, so I spent most of my Thanksgivings and a few of my Christmases with her and her family.

My Aunt Linda has been such a beautiful example of a Godly woman.  She's so encouraging, and she always makes me feel so precious and special and loved and important.  When I talk to her, I know she's actually listening.  She is my friend and my confidante.  If she's ever had to correct me for anything, I've never noticed because she knows just how to speak in love so that it doesn't feel like a reprimand.

I don't think of Aunt Linda as a "replacement grandmother", but when I think of how I would want my relationship to be with my grandmothers if they were still alive, I think of my relationship with Aunt Linda.  I do believe God brought this wonderful lady into my life to fill that gap left when my grandmothers passed away--so that I would not be without the impact of that role.  

Aunt Linda, thank you for being so kind and sweet to me all my life.  I am so thankful that I did not have to live my life without having the kind of friendship I have with you!  I have been so blessed by you!