 Everyone Should Have an Aunt Bea In Their Life . |
Everyone should have an Aunt Bea in their life. Mine was my grandma Belle. Whenever I watch Andy Griffith, I am reminded of my beloved grandma. She is my grandma, my friend, my angel, and my hero. It is not an exaggeration to say she saved my life. There are angels that come into our life that we know are divinely sent to us. More so than anyone else, my Grandma Belle has always been the angel of my life. Grandma Belle taught me more about life, love and how to treat a woman than anyone else did. I started spending summers with grandma from the age of two. Each night, we would take long walks along the quiet roads of her small town. On those warm, summer, country nights, grandma would teach me about love, how to treat a woman, what really mattered in life, and priorities in life. She taught me through word and example about unconditional love. I was like a small love sponge. Each summer I would bask in grandma’s love and belief in me, and my love sponge would get full. Then, over the cold, barren days of winter, my love sponge would slowly dry out. I know we each choose our parents before we come to this life. I also know that I chose my grandma. Through my parents, I learned what neglected and abused children go through and how they relate to the world. Through my grandmother, I was able to experience unconditional love and acceptance. I have spent most of my adult life working with at-risk youth. Because of the gift of my childhood, I have two important insights. I can connect and relate to wounded children, thanks to the gifts my parents gave me. Also, I can show them unconditional love and acceptance, thanks to my angel Belle. Grandma Belle left us three years ago. However, she is closer now than ever. She is the angel on my shoulder. I often feel her presence, especially when I am feeling low. As she did when I was very small, she surrounds embraces me, like a blanket of warm love. We often have chats, grandma and I, while I am driving in the car. I love you grandma. I miss being able to hug you and kiss your neck, but I am so grateful that you are with me as often as you are able. Although I can no longer hug you, I feel your hugs, hear your loving counsel and feel your unconditional love. |
