God Sent A Child

It is so amazing how our God knows what we need, when we need it, and how it will change our lives forever. In my last post I told you that I have been going through a difficult time with grief. Some people think that after a year, everything should be back to normal. Even after 2 years it's not back to normal. There will never again be the same normal. A new normal will eventually find its place.

After my trip to Massachusetts I was filled with anticipation for the day my son and daughter-in-law would return from China with my new grandson. I knew that this was going to be a very traumatic time for a 2 & 1/2 year old. I knew it was going to be traumatic for my son and daughter-in-law as well. Even though they had looked forward to the day when he would be theirs, it would be no easy introduction. I only got three messages while they were away. One to let me know they had arrived safely in Beijing. One to let me know that Harrison was with them. The last was his picture. He was brought to them on 6/30/2014. On 7/1/2014 he officially became their son, my grandson.

On 7/11/2014 I drove to the airport to wait. Before they arrived my son texted me. "No crying. It upsets Harrison." I didn't want to cry. I couldn't stop grinning. Their plane was early and people began to enter. I stood their with my camera ready even though I was not close to the door they would come through. Finally, I saw my son. There behind him was my daughter-in-law holding the hand of the most beautiful little boy. Harrison was home. He was shy, but very interested in the Marine Bear that stands inside the airport. Near the baggage claim area is a case with model airplanes inside. That is where I was able to get near him. He was fascinated with the planes. We stood there looking & repeating "plane". I took them home and helped get the luggage in. I hugged my son & daughter-in-law. Harrison, still in his daddy's arms, leaned over and put his cheek against mine. That did it! I had to turn and leave. Once the door closed behind me the tears fell. I had to thank God for this precious child he had placed in our lives.

In the past almost 2 & 1/2 weeks I have had the blessed opportunity to spend a lot of time with Harrison. Last week I stayed with him when his parents went back to work. We have bonded well.He calls me GraMa just as all my other precious grandchildren. He hugs and kisses me. He loves my cell phone because it has videos of him, and there are a lot. He interacts well with all our family members. He is proving to be very intelligent. It is amazing to watch him use the cell phone or his Leap Frog. He absolutely loves to play basketball. He does not make a fuss when it is nap time as long as you read his favorite book a few times. He is big for his age. He is doing very well with his English, but lapses into Mandarin occasionally. He has stolen my heart.

I think of our God and how when there was no answer for the state of mankind, He sent a Child.
Then I see the time of my own sense of helplessness and God sent a child. Amazing love!

Massachusetts Trip

I really thought things would get easier as time went on without my husband. They haven't. In fact things have been really difficult. I don't want to whine. I am blessed to have children, friends, and church family to love and be loved by. I do miss my husband, though. So much!!! To the point that my physician thought I needed grief counseling. He asked me if we had someone at church that would be available. Thankfully we do and I contacted him about setting up an appointment. However, he had to have some surgery on his vocal cords and was unable to counsel for a time.

In the meantime I decided to go to Massachusetts to see my husband's family. I was so excited about the trip the grief was not such a problem. My oldest sister-in-law is not in good health and I knew I needed to go then. I also picked a time that would get me back home before my son and daughter-in-law would have to go to China to bring my new grandson home.

Best laid plans! My trip was planned, tickets purchased, rooms booked, arrangements made for pets. My oldest daughter and youngest granddaughter would go with me. My daughter-in-law would take care of my cats while I was away and I planned to board my dogs. I would take care of their cats and keep one of their dogs, Gabby, when they went to China. Then the call came. They had travel approval to go to China and would leave on June 25th, the same day we planned to stay overnight in Raleigh before our flight out on the 26th. So we did some scrambling. A friend from church & my youngest daughter would take care of the cats. My son-in-law, whose wife and daughter were going with me, would keep Gabby till I got back.

So on 6/25 I took my son & daughter-in law to the airport. Spent the rest of the morning getting ready to leave myself and then we drove to Raleigh. We flew to Hartford, CT on 6/26 and drove a rental to Massachusetts. It was a wonderful trip. We stayed in Springfield and had a beautiful view from our 11th floor window.

Night view of Springfield, MA

Was so good to see family and tell them how much I love them all. I did not get to see my husband's brother and his family. They had a high school graduation and other plans. I would loved to have seen them too.

We spent a day in Old Deerfield Village sightseeing. A beautiful and historic place. The old cemetery is a touching place. Many buried there were killed in an Indian Massacre. The Indian House was one that was attacked. The museum there houses the original door from the house and you can see the opening that was chopped into the door.

Old Deerfield Cemetery

The Indian House

Original Door From The Indian House

We visited the small town of Ashfield where my husband grew up.

Ashfield Town Hall

Apple Valley, Ashfield

We went to the town of Shelburne Falls where there is an old trolley bridge leading to the town of Buckland. When the bridge was no longer used, the two towns made it into a walking bridge planted with beautiful flowers. It is maintained by both towns.

Bridge of Flowers

 There are also ancient glacial pot holes here which are quite unique.

Glacier Pot Holes

We ate twice at a great little place in Greenfield, MA. called Village Pizza. If you are ever in Greenfield, trust me, you DO want to eat there. Three generation family owned business with great Italian food & fantastic service. Just know that one plate of spaghetti and meatballs will feed three people.

We flew back home on 7/1 and the wait began for my new grandson. More to follow.