Family Love

I'm trying to become more "biblically-based." So here is a verse that I think suits my post tonight:

"Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."

-Colossians 3:12
 
As most of you know, my Pawpaw Cooper has been going through a hard year of in's and out's of hospitals and doctors. The last trip to Methodist in Houston included an emergency double bypass surgery, breathing treatments, and trying to get PawPaw to eat to gain weight. The poor guy weighs a few pounds more than I do! I love him and my Meemaw to death and I appreciate the prayers that everyone sent to the good Lord for our family. He spent 3 weeks in the hospital and after numerous trips my parents and many others made, he was released to go home last week on Wednesday.
 
When Mom went to Houston to pick them up, Dad was working and I was home alone. I spent most of my Spring Break getting a tan; that is, washing cars in the driveway in my bikini top, shorts, & visor. You have to know that for most of my life I have hidden myself under big clothes and have hated bathing suits. I still do not care for sand or the beach but I have started becoming more comfortable in my own skin and last week, I released my self conscious body into the public vicinity of our driveway.
 
Back to the real story, I washed Meemaw's car for her. As I was sudsing up and rinsing it off, I prayed and thought and pondered over everything that my family member's have gone through. I often think and praise the Lord for how blest I am to have an amazing family. I also thank Him for his graciousness that He has bestowed on each person that has touched my life in a special way. And beside graciousness, I was also able to experience one of the most moving things of my life.
 
As they rolled into the driveway, I helped Pawpaw out and into the house to go to the bathroom. Everyone was exhausted and they were ready to get back home. I helped Pawpaw to the car and as Meemaw tried to discuss medications with my parents, my dad tried to get her in the car and we started to say our goodbyes. Pawpaw began to cry. He could barely talk. He was overwhelmed with gratefulness and so many more emotions that I can't explain because he was getting to go home. He thanked my Mom first, then my dad and I told him goodbye and I loved him. I held it together but let me tell you, I felt something consume me. It was powerful and I still can't explain it.
 
As we walked inside, Dad explained that they needed to get home to rest. He also said that Pawpaw thought he wasn't going to make it out of the hospital this time. I was stricken with anxiety because that's what happens when people bring death up. I do not and cannot deal with it. I'm working on it with the Big Man and it's a tough subject for me to swallow. But I can explain two things:
 
1) Prayer, in any form or fashion, is powerful.
2) Family is also a infallible force.
 
Thank you for reading this and being a part of my life. I thank you all who have made an impact in my life and continue to pray for me and my sister as we journey through our young adult lives. Thank you doctors & nurses & anyone else who has helped my family in all sorts of ways.
 
Gig 'em & God Bless!