Reminders

I had a great conversation with my Grandma today. She knew who I was as soon as I sing-songed my greeting to her. She called me by name and asked about everyone here. Were my boys doing their school work? Did My Dearest go to work today?  Is everyone healthy?

The one really encouraging (or discouraging, depending on one's point of view) part of our conversation was that she seems to have lost her previous rant of, "I'm so old! Why is God keeping me alive? Why isn't He calling me home? Isn't it time for me to die yet?!" She seems to have (finally) mellowed in her old age. It only took 95 years!  The encouraging part is that she's not acting angry and antsy that she's still here.  The discouraging part is that she's not as feisty as she used to be, which according to some is a sign that she'll probably pass on soon.

Our phone conversation was mainly about reminders. As a dutiful daughter, I should take care of my parents since they're getting older and it must be almost time for them to die. I did point out that if they take care of themselves and stay healthy, they could live for another 20 years and be as old as her. She chuckled a little and then shifted her energies toward my siblings. "Make sure you keep in touch with them. Pray for your bachelor brother - he needs a wife. He's closer to 50 than 40. Make sure you call your sister often."  After my siblings, she also reminded me to pray and spend time with God.

In between these reminders, I dutifully answered yes and made the appropriate noises, but I chuckled quietly as she encouraged me in my familial roles, especially regarding my brother. I know it's God's will whether or not my brother gets married, it's not up to me. But all in all, a good lucid conversation with my grandmother.