Emily Prough
During my childhood, traveling from Goshen, IN to Valparaiso, IN to visit my grandparents was an exciting adventure. The backseat was filled with a chorus of four small voices chanting, “Are we there yet?” Grandpa would be waiting in a lawn chair at the end of the driveway for our arrival. Grandma would have snacks and drinks waiting in the kitchen. Our visits were full of activity. We would often walk to Valparaiso University (Grandpa was a math professor there), visiting the magnificent Chapel of the Resurrection or racing around the indoor track at the “ARC.” Sometimes we would accompany Grandpa downtown on errands to the library or hardware store; excuses to stop for hot chocolate or ice cream.
In the summer, we were guaranteed visits to the Indiana Dunes, wheelbarrow rides around the yard and pushes on the swing. Winter visits involved shoveling the neighborhood, sledding, and building snowmen. No matter the season, Grandpa loved woodworking, playing cards, and writing. He was always working on new wooden puzzles and toys and had a spare board lying around for the grandkids to pound nails into. He taught us a variety of games which were all called “Grandpa Wins.” He learned how to use a computer when he was in his 60s and loved writing memoirs, letters, and emails to friends and family.
The amazing thing about all these adventures is that Grandpa was legally blind. His vision slowly deteriorated from the age of seven. By the time I was in college, he was totally blind. He relied on help from Grandma, family, friends, and community resources, but never let his vision stop him. In January 2022, at age 86 and with Grandma by his side, Grandpa met Jesus. As I celebrate his life, I am treasuring memories, a handwritten letter from my childhood, wooden gifts he made, and am so grateful for the 32 years I got to spend with him. What a blessing that he can now SEE the beauty of heaven!
Mary bore the wondrous gift of Jesus through God’s grace to the world. At his birth, she stored up visits from angels, shepherds and wisemen. At age twelve, Mary marveled at Jesus’ wisdom in listening to and asking questions of the teachers in the synagogue in Jerusalem. Mary appeared at various events throughout Jesus’ young adult life and was likely kept informed about his travels with the disciples. She was there at Golgotha as Jesus took his last breath. Mary kept these memories and moments stored up in her heart. She reflected on, learned from, and was amazed by all Jesus had done in her life and for the world. She was grateful for God’s gift. Who or what do you treasure in your own life?
Father, you gave the world your gift of grace through your son Jesus Christ. Like Mary, who treasured up and pondered this gift, help us to notice, reflect on, and show gratitude for the treasures you place in our own lives. Amen.
