Sweet Hearts

You may remember that last Thanksgiving we traveled to Illinois to visit the master's extended family, but most especially his aging grandmother, "Grandma Z." We both thought it would be the last time we saw her, and it was important for us that she get to see the children. We were very glad we made the trip, especially when his grandfather (on the other side) passed away unexpectedly three weeks after. We have some wonderful pictures of the kids getting to be with him and love on him.
However, Grandma Z is still with us, though she has had some touch and go moments over the past year. She is the master's last remaining grandparent. She has been on dialysis for over a year now and must go in every other day. She is tired and has just announced to the family that she will not continue dialysis after Christmas. When we got the e-mail, we discussed over dinner what we should do. We had not planned to return this year, but should we change our plans in light of this new information? Of course, the kids wanted to pack up right then and head out to see Grandma Z.
We freely discuss finances with and around our kids. We want to give them a good foundation, so that hopefully they will learn from our mistakes, glean wisdom from our successes, and become problem solvers. Last night was no exception. A trip to Illinois is expensive and financially draining to our budget, particularly right before Christmas, and we explained that to them. That's when K looked up from his plate and offered this suggestion:
"What if we gave up our Christmas presents? Getting to see Grandma Z before she went to be with Jesus would be our present!"
I looked around the table. There was no outcry of dissent but nods of agreement, smiles, and a few exclamations of, "Yeah, Bubba, that would work!"
My heart swelled with pride. Thank you Lord for giving me these sweet children. They teach me so much.