Come Again Another Day?

This week's Carnival of Beauty is being hosted by Allison over at Autumn Rain with the theme: The Beauty of Rainy Days. How appropriate! I visited Allison's blog this morning for the first time and found verses and quotes all about rain! Isn't it interesting how bloggers are all so different with their own unique focus? I'm amazed at how creative some folks can be! Here's the link for the list of bloggers who submitted posts this week. Check them out!

Actually the Carnival slipped up on me this week; after I blogged yesterday about the rainy Monday we had shopping and left a comment on Susan's blog about how rainy days and Mondays always pick me up (if I'm inside!), I never had a clue today was a rainy themed Carnival day! So, here's a rainy day story I've been meaning to write about...

Everyone called her "Grandma," even though her name was Louise. She was 85-ish when I first became acquainted with her, and we always shook hands during the greeting part of the church service because she sat in the same place right in front of me every week.

For a few months the Lord kept prompting me to ask her during one of those hand-shaking times if I could come visit her one day. I'd end up never mentioning it, and the moment would pass. Then one Sunday I finally asked if I could drop by her house one day, and oh, she was ecstatic! That wrinkled old face broke out into such a smile, you wouldn't believe it. I thought what a simple thing it was to make an old person happy.

She turned back around and whispered, "Do you like tea?" Well, it wasn't my favorite drink, but I said that would be fine. She gave me another smile and said, "You come visit, and we'll talk and have tea."

Later that same morning she asked, "Do you happen to like Scrabble?" I replied, "Why, that's my favorite game. I love Scrabble!" She said, "You come visit, we'll talk and have tea, and play Scrabble!"

And that's what we did...week after week, month after month. Fridays were the days I'd travel the thirty or so miles to her little house that was jammed packed with books. She loved to read, and I guess that's how she knew so many Scrabble words; she was a feisty surprise to me!

Rainy Fridays were the best. I'd knock on her door and head straight back to the  kitchen table where she'd have her deluxe game board and tiles all ready. One of us would make the popcorn, and the other would fix the ice in glasses. We were a team...except when we were playing. And then we were fierce competitors. After one game, we'd play another. After that one, we'd play yet another. I had never played more than one game of Scrabble in one sitting until I met Grandma. I think she wanted to keep me there as long as she could.

Sheltered inside her warm, cozy kitchen with the lights blazing and the rain splattering on the window panes, I enjoyed watching her have fun. She was an encouragement to me, and I valued her walk with the Lord and considered her a real prayer warrior as we shared prayer requests. She went to be with the Lord five years ago last month, and needless to say, there was a big void on those game afternoons I so enjoyed.

I still remember Grandma at the door each visit sadly bidding me good-bye and calling out, "Come again another day?"

~Deb

Comments

[Susan]

What a sweet lady! I know you were a blessing to her. And isn't it funny how much of a blessing WE get when we're doing something for someone else?!

Now . . . for this rainy day business. You can have 'em! LOL When you have 30+ rainy days straight, then we'll talk. Of course, I'm only teasing, but having lived in Vancouver through two winters now, rainy days don't hold the appeal that they used to when I lived in blazin' hot Texas, where rain was a welcome relief.

[Bet]

I love this post, Deb! You captured the whole scenario just right. Good job!

[Deb]

Susan, I visited a friend in Washington State once, and I remember the rain. I'm sure having to deal with it day in and day out might make me slightly grumpy. :)

Bet, thanks! :)

[Susan]

What a sweet story! I love hearing stories like that. Thanks so much for sharing :).

[Allison]

Thanks so much for submitting this post, Deb. You're a fantastic writer, and I enjoyed reading your story (and blog). Keep up the great work.

[Amanda]

That story was so great. I felt like "That could be me in 60 years!" I love to read, love Scrabble, and love to have tea. I hope if/when I have aged and find myself alone that I have someone who listens to God's prompting to make a visit and join me for afternoons like you've had with "Grandma".

[Deb]

Amanda and Allison, thanks for stopping by Mountain Musings and leaving a comment. I appreciate new readers. :)

You're welcome, Susan. It was fun remembering all our times together as I was writing the story.

[Barb]

What a sweet story! I know you meant a lot to that lady.