My Grandfather's Prayers (Day 30)

For 31 days I am writing to my children, 
my future grandchildren, great, and all my great-grandchildren.

"A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children." 

Proverbs 13:22 a

My grandfather use to kneel by my bedside and pray. 

I didn't know it then, but he was fighting for me (and my little sister beside me, who hogged the bed); pleading to God on my behalf.

At the time my dad, his only son, was a volatile drug user, who lived in the driveway in his blue van (in his van was a retro orange floral couch, a little stand with a b/w t.v. with a large rabbit ear antenna on top, his "art" served as wallpaper, and an American flag draped the back window as a curtain.  A rose was painted on the outside of the van near the gas tank.  Coincidentally, when I hear The Rose by Bette Midler I think of my dad).   I don't know where my mother was. 

I remember my grandfather's face as he'd pray.  There was urgency in his expression.  Sometimes tears accompanied his urgency.  I know now that he wanted and hoped for me a life of blessing instead of the curse I had been dealt. 

Fast forward 20 years to May 7th, 1998, and 5 days after Noah was born.  My grandparents visited our home for the first time to lay eyes on their first great-grandchild (the bed-hogger brought them).  

My grandparents were delighted to hold the next generation in their arms, but something more than their affection for Noah caught my attention that day~ my grandfather's joy. 

He watched me for the first time in my lovely little home, with my husband and son, and saw that I was cherished and cared for.  

His joy was the result of his relief as he observed that the shadow that once hovered over my life was now enveloped by Light, and the next generation was beginning life in blessing instead of despair.

 

My favorite moment from that day was when my grandfather (a quiet man, who never spoke a word of English) placed his hand on Michael's shoulder and gave him a man-to-man firm grip of approval.  He said nothing, but his delight was evident~ ALL  he had wanted and hoped for on his knees at my bedside, and for 20 years,  had been answered.

My favorite photo of my grandfather, Antonio Teodosio.

"A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children."  One commentary said this regarding this passages: He files many a prayer in heaven in their behalf, and his good example and advices are remembered and quoted from generation to generation.

My beloved grandfather left me a very good inheritance indeed!  And not just that, but he set an example for me to "file many a prayer in heaven" for my children and my children's children, too. 

(My grandfather's prayers for the bed-hogger were generously answered, too.  My sister loves the LORD, is married to a godly man who gives himself up for her, and is mom to two delightful  boys).
 
Live in Peace!

Posts from 31 Days of God-giver:
Day 1- Reap What I Sow
Day2- Get To Know God  
Day3-  God is God. 
Day 4- Wrap Your Arms Around Him 
Day 5- Pray.  Don't Think, Just Do It. 
Day 6- Find Your Voice 
Day 7- I Am a Mountain Goat 
Day 8- I ♥ Being Fabulous 
Day 9- Grandmother's Hands 
Day 10- "The Talk"  
Day 11- Don't "Rip the Pants" Off Your Man 
Day 12- I Drempt You
Day 13-  3 Word
Day14-  With All You've Got 
Day 15- Temperature 
Day 16- He's Got This 
Day 17- I Will Be Glad 
Day 18- Emilie's Words To Her Children  

Day 19- Fertile For The Changes 

Day 20 & 21- O I Need Thee 

Day 22- I Know Day 

Day 23- Tangible God

Day 24- It's Not Coincidence

Day 25- A Humbling Fall

Day 26- Let It Sink In 
Day 27 & 28- Husbands  
Day 29- 248 Nights Without Sleep