Have I told you lately that I love you...

I was just reading a post on the Lactivist (I mention her blog a lot, don't I) about a way she honored her grandparents. About 10 years ago, she wrote a letter to them telling them how much she loved and respected them. She also shared some of the fond memories she had of spending time with them. What made this even more special is that her grandmother had dementia for the past several years and passed away this week. She shared how much it was easier to grieve knowing she had told her grandparents these things while they could fully comprehend it.

I never really got to know my grandparents. We moved from Brazil to Australia when I was 13 months old. I was 13 years old when we moved back. My paternal grandfather passed away when I was 4 or 5. The only memory I have of him is seeing him ill in bed, when we went to Brazil to visit one year. My maternal grandfather was very quiet, reserved man. He now has Alzheimer's. I did get to know my grandmothers a bit more. I cherish those moments. They are such godly, faithful women. Although my interactions with them have been quite limited, they have deeply touched my life in many ways.

My children have not met all their grandparents. I pray they will have the opportunity. In the meantime, I believe the respect and admiration they have for my parents is ultimately tied to how much I talk about it with them.

Last mother's day, I wrote a mother's tribute honoring my mother, and other motherly figures in my family, as well as my husband and children. I've been wanting to share it on my blog, but I thought I'd save it for this mother's day.

Well, I'm not sure if I made any sense. I was having trouble falling asleep. I think I'm finally ready to go back to bed.