Rare Gems

I visited my granny again on Wednesday. She lives in a nursing home and has for almost 2 years now. The transition was difficult when she first moved in, but it's become home to her.

A few months ago, she suffered a stroke, which impaired her speech a bit and left her mentally a bit confused. It's been humorous at times (for her and for us) to try and decipher what she's saying when she can't quite make the sounds needed for the words, and it's also been sad many times, to see her unable to understand things that happen or cope with certain struggles.

Yesterday was one of those "rare gem" days, though. I was visiting with her, when she decided it was time to go down to the dining room for dinner, even though it was 30 minutes early. :)

As we turned the corner near the dining room, I noticed the TV room was playing Andy Griffith, one of my granny's favorite shows. We stopped to watch, and she was mesmerized. She just stared at the screen and laughed. It was the first time I'd seen her laugh in a long time.



It was a teary, happy moment...wishing she could always be so happy, but realizing that she may not be the next day. I miss the granny I played with and the granny who took care of me. But this granny has become dear, as well. We spend a few hours together a week--mumbling, laughing, and often just sitting. I'm closer to her now than I was as a little girl, and I treasure these special days together.

Grandparents are such a blessing, aren't they? We'll definitely be watching more Andy Griffith...it's worth it just to hear her laugh! :)