I am so very thankful to have my maternal grandparents with me still, as I am 37 years old. I treasure this gift. I miss them so much tonight- my Granny and Papaw. I usually see them at least 3 times a year, from November to November. This year was different. I saw them at Thanksgiving, then again at Christmas. But, during our visit home for the 4th of July, Samuel got the flu. My sweet Papaw has cancer, and he, nor my Granny Jane can be exposed to that awful illness, of course. So, I missed seeing them. It has been 8 months since Christmas, and this is the longest span in my life that I have gone without a Papaw hug and a Granny meal. I have not dozed in the living room, to the sound of the clock they have had for 50 or more years. I have not watched hummingbirds feed, from the sun room windows. I have not smelled Shalimar on my Granny’s wrists, and I have not had peas and cornbread. But, what I treasure and miss most is just “being” with them. Just the sound of my Papaw’s voice and my Granny’s laugh. I love the way my children brighten their days.  Their greats- what they call all of their 20 great grandchildren.  These are the moments when I would give just about anything to live back home. But, for now, that is not the journey God has for us, and we are leaving for a new adventure in Denver. I pray that God holds them safe and steady in his care, so that they are ready for us at Christmas. I pray that my Papaw has more “better” days than not. And, I pray that they know how much their love and guidance means to me.  But until then, we will call and facetime. And, when I am homesick, I will imagine their house and the comfort they still bring to this grownup grandchild.