Happy Birthday Grandma Brantley!

I went to see Grandma Brantley today, to wish her a happy 84th birthday! Many years ago, she and Grandpa used to sit behind us in church each week. We would always get there early so we had time to visit. At some point, I started taking the kids to their house on Christmas Eve, usually taking something sweet to give them for Christmas. Grandpa had a pocket knife collection that Joshua loved to look at, and the girls always enjoyed playing with other toys. Soon, I was just going by to visit, even when it wasn't Christmas! I had a real soft spot for Grandpa. He was one of those that liked to make you think he was rough and tough, but he was a big puppy dog! One Sunday when we were talking he told me that he knew God could never forgive him, he had just done too many bad things. We talked about it, and I tried my best to make him see that wasn't true. That week, I found something in a book that just seemed to say exactly what I was trying to say to him. I copied those pages out of the book (yes, I did it!) and took it to him and made him promise to read it. The next Sunday, Grandpa went forward in church and was soon baptized! Grandpa suffered from cancer for a long time before he was called home. I remember the last time I went to see him, just a few days before he died, and the only time I ever went and found him in bed. That day we had a real heart to heart talk and he thanked me for helping him to understand how much God loved him. Since then, I still continue to see Grandma every chance I get. She is my friend. She is so cute, and you seldom find her anywhere but cooking. Today she told me all about one of her birthday presents-going to a BALL GAME!!! She had a great time! I love her so much and feel so blessed to have her as my friend! Happy birthday!