The Memory Box

Whenever Gabriella visited her grandparents, Grandma usually called her into the kitchen to help prepare a snack. But Grandma didn't call her today. Gabriella sighed as she rocked slowly in her grandmother's favorite chair. "How's school going?" asked Grandpa."Okay." Gabriella looked at the wall where a picture of her grandparents was hanging. She closed her eyes tightly and wished Grandma would be standing there when she opened them. But that couldn't happen, of course."You miss Grandma, don't you?" Grandpa asked quietly. A tear slid down Gabriella's cheek. "I miss her too," said Grandpa. "Sometimes I want to call out to her to talk with her. It's hard to accept the fact that she isn't here anymore." He opened the drawer of a table and pulled out a box. "When I feel especially sad, I look through this memory box. As each picture or item brings back memories, I thank God for the special times--and the ordinary ones--I could spend with Grandma."Grandpa held out the box, and Gabriella took it. "Oh, here's a picture of Grandma planting flowers out front!" Gabriella said. "And here's one I drew of them." Gabriella and Grandpa talked a little about the lovely garden Grandma had each year."Shall we thank God for that?" asked Grandpa. Gabriella nodded, and Grandpa prayed, "Jesus, thank you so much for Grandma and for the time You allowed us to share with her. Thank you for the memory of the beautiful gardens she planted. We miss her so much, but we know she's with You now. We thank You for that too, and for the hope we have knowing we'll see Grandma again one day when you raise all those who know you from the dead. Help us remember that you're with us, and give us strength and comfort." A few tears wet Grandpa's face, and he hugged Gabriella very tightly."I have an idea," said Gabriella. She went to the kitchen, and Grandpa followed. He smiled as Gabriella began putting crackers and cheese on a plate, just like Grandma used to do. "Grandma used to tell funny stories when we were in the kitchen together," Gabriella said with a grin. "The funniest one was about how she met you." She giggled and gave Grandpa a hug. "I'll tell you what she said."- Nance E. Keyes