GRANDMOM? ARE YOU 105?

My grandson, Makai, who is now 5 years old is a natural "smile-maker." He, as well as my 4 year old granddaughter, Kennedy, are joy personified! Recently, I was able to spend a month with Makai, my son and my daughter-in-law at their home in Costa Rica. Wow! What a blessing! In addition to the daily family time, sunshine, ocean breezes, fresh and delicious foods, and more, I had the absolute blessing of spending all day with Makai, everyday! By bedtime, I had expended pretty much all of my energy. Just before I would close my eyes, Makai diligently squeezed in his last questions of the day. I did my best to answer all of his inquiries. Sometimes he wanted to know about dinosaurs. Sometimes he wanted to know about tsunamis. Sometimes he just wanted to know more about me, and life in general.

One night, just before I dozed off, I heard Makai's voice again with one more softly spoken question. He quietly asked, "Grandmom?" I answered equally as quietly, "Yes, Makai?" He hesitated, then asked, "Are you 105?" I was tickled with his question, but answered as seriously as he had asked, "No, Makai. I am 65." There was a very brief breath followed by another question. "Will you be 105?" he asked. "Maybe I will get to be 105. I don't know." I said with all sincerity. Again, there was a pause. "Will you die when you are 105?" This time it was time for me to pause. I thought for a moment and realized that he was pondering the mystery of life. I treated his question with the respect that it deserved. "I hope so Makai. Why do you ask?" He then answered with details as if he was mapping out the next 40 years for me. He had detailed plans of what he wanted us to do together in the years to come. He spoke with tenderness and wisdom. I cherished that moment. We both went to sleep looking forward to a long future of wonderful experiences together.

Since that time, I have thought about that night almost every day. I just recently celebrated my 66th birthday. For that I was grateful. It was a time to celebrate life and an opportunity to get just a little closer to 105. My life now has new meaning. Although I am a cancer survivor and have survived many other challenges in life, none of that matters. I now have a new energized purpose. I need to make it to 105! My grandchildren are depending on me to have great adventures with them. I can't wait to experience all kinds of wonders! I thank God for my amazing grandchildren! I thank God that I am now 66 years old and have a mere 39 more to go! Yay God! Yay life! Yay grandchildren!