Grandparents...

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children..." Psalm 103:17

I absolutely adore my grandparents. Although they live 650 miles away, I stay in touch with them via phone and letters. My grandma, Nanie, especially has a special place in my heart. There's never been another woman on this planet who can wrap a package (any size package, from a Jell-o box to a shoe box to a four-times-used manila envelope) and have it arrive safely to its destination, even if the contents are highly breakable.

The other day, my grandparents (both in their early 80s), who live in a town of about 3,000 residents (where I grew up, no less), went to the grocery store. Nanie waited in their stylish red van while Papa went in to the store. "Now remember," Nanie said, as Papa climbed out of their van, "Get some prunes. Be sure to get the ones that are individually wrapped and taste like candy."

My grandparents have always been extra conscious of eating healthy foods that promote healthy bowels. After all, in one's golden years, it's critical to have a b.m. in the p.m.!

Papa went into the small grocery store. I can just see him in his Carhart Jeans, his favorite red flannel, his very used cowboy hat, and his wallet he carries on a chain like they do in those old movies. (Because of his streamlined physique, the chain on the wallet nearly drags to the ground). Upon seeing a box boy, Papa asked, "Do you have any prunes?"

"Yes, I'll show you," the box boy said. He led Papa through the store and down the aisle with the boxed prunes.

Papa grabbed a box of prunes off the shelf. Then, taking his cute little wrinkled self through the store, he exited through the automatic door. He didn't even pause to stop at the check stand, but walked into the parking lot and to Nanie, who was waiting in the van.

Meanwhile, the box boy was in a quandary. He had followed Papa, apparently alarmed that Papa would exit the store without paying for the prunes, but unable to figure out a way to gently apprehend an adorable and innocent-looking elderly gentleman with twinkling blue eyes.

Papa walked up to the window of the passenger side of the van and asked Nanie to roll down the window. Still figuring out how to use modern technology, Nanie instead opened her door.

"Are these the prunes you want?" Papa asked.

"Yes, Johnny," Nanie answered. "Those are perfect." Nanie smiled her precious Swedish smile at the thought that Papa had correctly chosen the individually wrapped prunes that tasted like candy.

"All right, then," Papa said.

"Johnny?" asked Nanie. "Why is that box boy across the parking lot looking at you with suspicion?"

"I have no idea," said Papa, because he truly had no idea. "Maybe because he's the one who helped me find the prunes." After a pause, he added, "I'll be right back, Ruthie." Papa walked back into the store, past the box boy (without even so much as a glance), and went to the nearest check stand. Taking out some money from his wallet on a chain, he paid for the prunes. Then, walking again past the perplexed box boy (without even so much as a glance), Papa returned to the van.

I love stories like these. How precious Papa is! The funniest thing of all is that Papa is a former police officer with the San Diego Police Department. He apprehended dangerous criminals on a daily basis, some who were caught stealing things much more valuable than prunes. But Papa had no intention of taking something without paying - he's honest to a fault and has never broken any laws in his entire life. He merrily wanted to ask his wife of nearly 60 years if the prune box he picked was the correct one. After all, he'd probably purchased the wrong brand in the past and after so many years of marriage, he had become a very wise man. He had learned his motto the hard way: ask first, then purchase.

I encourage you to take a minute to appreciate the grandparents in your life. They truly are such treasures. I am grateful for each memory the Lord has given me of my grandparents. I want to be just like them in another 50 years. Well, that's it for now. I need to go buy some prunes...