A Very Special Gift
By Margie Runels

Grandma and Grandpa Grieb had lots of children and grandchildren. At Christmas time they remembered each one of us not with fancy or expensive gifts, but with gifts of love. Every family would get a big tray of mouth-watering cookies and candied walnuts, plus a subscription to National Geographic to enjoy all year.

But the best gift that Grandma and Grandpa gave us, still lingers today. Years after they are gone – their love for each other demonstrated commitment and faithfulness.

Grandma and Grandpa Grieb sitting in their rocking chairs.

One example etched in my memory is: Every Saturday night they would pull up their old wooden rocking chairs in front of a small black and white television. The T.V. sat tucked in the corner; silent the rest of the week. They would hold hands and enjoy a whole hour of the Lawrence Welk show. My grandparents just may have created the original date night.

Grandma and Grandpa Grieb with Connie and her parents.

Even after being married almost seventy years they still held hands and Grandpa still looked at Grandma with a twinkle of love in his eyes and brought her wildflowers out of the yard.

Thank you Lord for blessing me with such wonderful family memories and examples of enduring love though my Grandparents. Please help me, Lord, to strive to pass on to my children and grandchildren the same gift.