Yearning as defined by dictionary.com - noun, a deep longing, especially when accompanied by tenderness or sadness.
Over the course of the past six months or so we have developed a friendship with this dear elderly man at our church. He will soon celebrate his 80th year of life (09/16).
I can't explain what I feel when I see him each Sunday. The best way to define it is a yearning. I see him as a grandfather figure. Not to my children, as much as to ME. I lost both my grandfathers at an early age in life. I was a mere seven years old when my maternal g'pa passed away and 15 1/2 when my paternal g'pa passed. I have always had a very tender place in my heart for the elderly. It could very well have to do with the fact that my mom worked at the local nursing home for 20+ years. Or that I myself worked there throughout high school. Or that my maternal great grandmother and paternal grandfather spent their last years in a care center. Needless to say, I spent many many hours around the "old." Anyhow, we make it a point to sit next to Joe each week. He lights up when holding our babe which in turn makes me light up. I love learning a little more of his life's story each passing week. I wanted to take the opportunity to snap a couple of pictures (on my phone) of Mr. E holding our sweet McKenna Jane so I can always remember this time.
If you are of the praying type I would ask that you keep Mr. E lifted up in prayer. He has been dealing with bad pneumonia as well as enduring ongoing chemotherapy maintenance. I want him to experience complete healing so he will be around a long time to come to love on my family and for us to love on him in return.
Tender. Why, yes!
Over the course of the past six months or so we have developed a friendship with this dear elderly man at our church. He will soon celebrate his 80th year of life (09/16).
I can't explain what I feel when I see him each Sunday. The best way to define it is a yearning. I see him as a grandfather figure. Not to my children, as much as to ME. I lost both my grandfathers at an early age in life. I was a mere seven years old when my maternal g'pa passed away and 15 1/2 when my paternal g'pa passed. I have always had a very tender place in my heart for the elderly. It could very well have to do with the fact that my mom worked at the local nursing home for 20+ years. Or that I myself worked there throughout high school. Or that my maternal great grandmother and paternal grandfather spent their last years in a care center. Needless to say, I spent many many hours around the "old." Anyhow, we make it a point to sit next to Joe each week. He lights up when holding our babe which in turn makes me light up. I love learning a little more of his life's story each passing week. I wanted to take the opportunity to snap a couple of pictures (on my phone) of Mr. E holding our sweet McKenna Jane so I can always remember this time.
If you are of the praying type I would ask that you keep Mr. E lifted up in prayer. He has been dealing with bad pneumonia as well as enduring ongoing chemotherapy maintenance. I want him to experience complete healing so he will be around a long time to come to love on my family and for us to love on him in return.
Tender. Why, yes!
2 comments:
That was such a tender moment with the elderly gentleman holding McKenna. I will pray for him, Mr. E. -Dallas missed so much.- And I thought I was the oldest person at your church--Love, GG
Aw, what a sweet man. I've never met him! Will definitely lift him in prayer!
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