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The Birthdays
A Reflection on Different Birthdays
Walking into the same hospice center, down the same corridors, and into a room that was the same was surreal. In front of me was my precious grandmother, so small and fragile. She was so full of life and beauty. Her joy radiated when she entered a room. People seemed to smile as she walked by. I remembered the times we spent together looking through a book on the world, and she would tell me where my family came from. Thinking about that rainbowed colored shirt, I received from her which was my favorite piece of clothing in 6th grade. My mind dwelled on her hugs, her volunteer work, and her generous nature. Filled with sweet memories, I felt overwhelmed with sadness at what was inevitable.
The past eight years, she was so different and missed someone deeply. Her high school sweetheart, my grandfather, made the same journey in that same center. Memories flooded me. I went to see him in much the same circumstance. They both died of cancer. They both had family who adored them. They both were prayed for. They both met their Savior.
Similar feelings lingered in my heart eight years earlier. My grandfather was not who he was in life laying in that bed before me. He was so confident and strong. Leadership flowed out from his pores. People admired him for various qualities; business, love of friends and family, his…
