My children and their dog Magnolia got in their big white car early afternoon and motored home to Peachtree City, waving out the windows as their daddy drove away. We had a wonderful visit. I love having my family under my roof, it warms my heart and soothes my soul. Albert Einstein said, “Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life.” We mothers are happiest when our children and grandchildren are all home with us. My little family enjoyed a late breakfast filling our turkey pattern plates with biscuits, ham, slab bacon, pigs in a blanket, scrambled eggs, grits, and melted cheese. We had hot coffee and delicious chocolate milk made from Hershey chocolate syrup. Two of us had leftover birthday cake for breakfast dessert.

Chief always loved these holiday breakfast mornings and would ask our oldest grandson to refill his coffee cup even when he was too young to pour the coffee. We’d always scold Chief about the coffee request. When Chief died Alexander said, “Grandaddy won’t be asking me to get him coffee anymore.” I think next time we have breakfast together I’m asking Alexander to fill my coffee cup. Love this quote from Sayings,“There is nothing better than coming home, enjoying good food, and relaxing with family.” So true!

Our grandchildren were just another expression of love and joy to Chief. He was so proud of all three of them and bragged about them in every conversation. He had a deep love for his grandfather Dark, who read to him from a book of Thomas Jefferson’s letters. He’d tell Alexander that his granddaddy fixed him coffee when he was a small child and he’d drink it from a saucer. His grandfather made a lasting impression on Chief and he loved him deeply. I never had a grandfather and my children never had a grandfather. Chief fulfilled his role of a grandparent with patience and kindness and love and affection. I have no doubt my grandchildren miss Chief and think about him often.

Was turning off the lights in the living room tonight, thinking what a beautiful weekend I had experienced with my family, and I stopped and looked at the family photos on the buffet behind the sofa. There is a sweet photo of Chief and me holding Alexander on the day of his birth. We were so thrilled by the arrival of our first grandchild. Course we teared up with happiness. Grandchildren are true gifts and blessings from God. They bring so much joy and happiness to their families.

The birth of your first grandchild marks the beginning a new generation. Scripture speaks of grandchildren as “a crown of the aged” and as sources of joy and blessings. When you have grandchildren you’ll understand why they are “grand.” I think you worry about them more than your own children. I used to worry about them falling down when they were babies. Worried if a bumble bee flew by. And I learned how to brag on every childhood milestone and academic achievement. You kinda see the world for the first time again through your grandchildren’s eyes. And they are so much fun! And they make you laugh and just brighten your world when they are around. I have a deep love for my children and grandchildren and I’m thankful for their health and happiness. The memories with them and Chief bring me smiles on gloomy days.

“It is as grandmothers that our mothers come into the fullness of their grace.” — Christopher Morley.