Yesterday I traveled to California to see my grandma (or Baba, which is grandma in Serbian) and try and visit with her one last time. She has been ill for many years but the last two have been especially rough and she has struggled for longer than I care to think about. After the last hospital stay they sent her home to spend time with my Jedi (grandpa in Serbian) and the rest of the family before God calls her home. My Mom, Uncle, Aunt and two brothers and I spent the day with my grandparents today and yet again I was reminded of what true commitment looks like.
For as long as I can remember my grandparents have been truly in love. They are the epitome of Mark 10:8 which states, "and the two shall become one." I can remember growing up and hearing my grandmother tell me so many stories of the little things my grandpa would do on a daily and weekly basis. Things like leaving her a note on his pillow so when she woke up she was reminded that he had thought of her or that he had thanked God for her that day. He always had her walk on the inside of him so that if a car or bus came by while walking he was protecting her. He would be at work and call her just to check in or because he missed her. Nothing grand or expensive but always there and always reminding her that she was his number one in life.
As they have gotten older and their health has declined they have had to switch one taking care of the other and of course in recent years since my grandmothers health has suffered so much, he has been her sole caregiver. He does the laundry, he cooks (pretty well too for an 80 year old man!!)and does everything and anything that she needs. Many times I have seen him with tears in his eyes because the love and respect he has for her is something that overwhelms him. And as I watch them I wonder...what must be going through their minds as 56 almost 57 years together is coming to an end? Are they reminiscing in their minds of all the incredible moments they must have shared or are they savoring the last moments that God grants them together? I hope both!
Having seen their marriage for 30 years I am so thankful for the legacy they are leaving. In a world where marriage is treated as a trivial and easy in, easy out adventure they have shown me that it does work. That two people committed to each other and the covenant they made before and with God is possible.
Another day tomorrow with her as my last and then I have to say goodbye to one of my best friends. Although I am so sad to have her leave this world I am so thankful to know where she is going and jealous to know she will meet our Savior and Creator first. So this my first blog post is dedicated and a tribute to an incredible couple. One I hope Scott and I can one day compete with! I love you Baba and Jedi!!!
