Blessings
It has been more than a year since we have had anyone over for dinner. As Granny has gotten older, she has become more self-conscious about her appearance, and is reluctant to be around new people. So, it was a surprise when she suggested last week that we invite the Attorney to Sunday dinner in honor of my birthday.
What’s even more surprising is that she remembered my birthday was coming up. It’s gotten so that Granny can’t even always keep track of what day it is, let alone remembering special dates. The fascinating thing about her awareness (or lack of) is that when she zones in, she is sharp as a tack. If I didn’t know better, I would think that sometimes she is pulling my leg.
I was very nervous about the situation. When you bring together two people you care about, you never know how they are going to get on. But, on the other hand, they were going to have to meet sometime. Still, I thought (maybe even hoped a little) that the Attorney would be a little uneasy about Granny’s request, too. Brother, was I wrong. He jumped at the chance.
And so, in one quick phone call, just another birthday became a major event.
I think my birthday was really secondary in their minds, anyway. Granny vetoed my my preferred menu in favor of a “proper Sunday dinner for company.” And the Attorney “joked” that had it not been for the possibility of one day meeting Granny, he would have dumped me long ago. Funny guy.
Since it’s summer time, the “proper Sunday dinner” meant fried chicken (in the winter it would have been roast beef). I never have understood that because nothing heats up a kitchen on a hot summer day like a skillet of hot oil. My favorite dish, lasagna, would have to be put on the back burner (literally, apparently) until the 30th (my actual birthday), even though a) I do the cooking and b) we haven’t had fried chicken in years.
I have never been very successful with fried chicken (one of the reasons we never have it) so that is probably why she took it upon herself to cook dinner (or at least lead me). She knew that even her worst would top my best.
She started early in the morning (proper Sunday dinner is always in the middle of the afternoon) and by the time the Attorney arrived, all that was left to do was put the rolls in the oven and shuck and clean the corn. She left the latter task for the Attorney because she feels that “food isn’t taken for granted by those who have a hand in getting it to the table.”
When he showed up, I put him to work on the corn. Granny was changing into her good clothes, so luckily she was not there to witness the initial flutter I still get when the Attorney and I get together (I guess its because its not an every day thing). I didn’t want to look like a complete 8th grade girl.
Plus, I was fluttering more than normal, from nervousness, because he was at my house for the first time, and my two best people were about to meet. I was living out a Venn diagram.
Judging by her blessing over dinner, she saw things the same way.
Dear Lord, we thank thee for these gifts we are about to receive and for every earthly good, for life, for health, and for family. And bless us as we bring a new friend into our family. Lord, I ask that you watch over and guide these two young men when the world is such that it is and grant them the strength to watch over each other when either is in need. This we ask in Christ’s name. Amen.
Years ago I stopped closing my eyes during grace. I do bow my head in respect, but closing my eyes always felt fake. Are people picturing God in their head, or do they think there will be a surprise dish on the table when they open them again?
The Attorney had his eyes closed, but I did see a smile creep across his face when Granny spoke of “our new friend.” His smile made me smile, and for the first time in years, I closed my eyes.
Maybe because I truly felt blessed.
Actually I should say “feel” not “felt”, because it’s not of the past. It’s now. Even better, I should say I “am” blessed. Blessed because I now have two very good people in my life, both of who I love and admire and respect.
And that carries forth to a small group of people I consider friends. A category that several of you reading this fall into. I can’t begin to tell you how appreciative I am in the way many of you look our for me, support me, and advise me. I think the relationship is a special one that a lot of bloggers can’t claim.
For having Granny, the Attorney, and all of you I am blessed.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:43 am
Blessings flow both ways in a good relationship. I’m sure that granny and the attormey feel blessed to have you in their lives as I do. I have laughed, cried, shook my head along with you, and experienced a lot of different emotions while enjoying your blog. I understand time rolls on and things change but I am not looking forward to your “graduation” and not having you in my life any more.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:05 am
Beautiful! I am getting to re-live some precious memories thru you. AMEN!
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:37 am
Awwww! Tony, I feel blessed knowing you too! You are too sweet! (I wish I had been there to eat Granny’s fried chicken, I bet it rivals everyone else’s in the state.) All my best to you, the attorney, and Granny in the future, whatever it holds.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Tony,
I’ve “lurked” on your blog for over a year now. THIS experience demands that I speak up! Your Sunday dinner almost brought me to tears! I’ve come to love your Granny. She is so much like my own, who has been gone for a long time now. She was tough and nurturing. Stood 4′ 11′ and would fight a bear if needed, and then come in the house and fix dinner! Tony, you are blessed in so many ways, with Granny right at the top of your list! You better be careful, though…..if Granny and The Attorney gang up on you on something, you’re TOAST!
My best to you and yours,
Wayne in Kentucky
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Coupla good thoughts –
First, you are indeed blessed – and it couldn’t have happened to a better guy.
Second, don’t be surprised about your Granny’s memory. As people get older, the oldest memories are the last to go. Granny may not remember whether today is Thursday or Wednesday, but the day you were born was set in her mind a long time back. One good thing is that if you want to know how things were “back then”, or want to know about relatives from her childhood, those are things she can probably still share with you.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Tony, first of all you’re Granny is the best!! I would LOVE to meet her (well, and you two, big handsome stud!) “Proper Sunday Dinner” sums it up. My Mama & Papa were from Missouri & that is exactly the way they would be. And I’m sure she got ‘all dolled up’ to meet Mr. Lawyer.
P.S. the last few entries have been beautiful & make me teary-eyed (but in a good way) – you really need to put all of them in a book I think. You have a natural talent!
LOVE from SF
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
For the first time it seems ok for you to end the blog. That dinner was as important as a wedding. I feel like I`m coming to the end of a great novel.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
OK, you made me look up Venn Diagram. So THAT’s what they call that thing!
As Granny and the Attorney intersected and overlapped in their love for you, a new family was born. This is like when you hear the crescendo of music in the movie–you’re almost holding your breath, waiting for the climax (no, not THAT one!)
Then….Granny’s blessing. Fade out–I’m in tears now.
Total love and acceptance. It’s what Pride is all about.
Thank you for shring this, Tony. My love and best wishes to the 3 of you!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I meant “sharing”.
Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Tony – your latest entry brought me to tears – good tears. I don’t know of another blog that could do that. Good luck and blessings to you, the attorney and of course Granny.
Jim
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:48 pm
What a heartwarming story! Is it just me, or do grandparents seem to be more understanding and thoughtful than parents? Your Granny is a gem!
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Tony – I crid. I am still crying, and it’s because I’ve heard of one of the most beautiful things in my life. What a precious, wonderful woman you have in Granny. The Attorney was fortunate that YOU kept him around long enough to meet her, and to become “a new special friend” in both of your lives.
Maybe he can start doing some of the driving.
July 2nd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
I’ve always felt and continue to feel good and truly blessed by you, my friend.
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:06 pm
What a wonderful picture I have in my mind of the three of you, sitting together at the table! Thank you, tony, for including us on your amazing journey.
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
T. You are blessed. I think you’ve been blessed all along but now you have a chance to see it for yourself. Of course, I’d like to hear how the rest of the evening went. heehee.
Unlike RT, I will be very sad to see your blog end. Every time I see your counter, I get a little sad. You have an unjaded and unclouded perception of things and that is a very refreshing trait. I hope you are able to hold onto it.
It does not surprise me they care so much about you. You are worthy of such love and able to return it in kind. I can think of no better goal in life.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Unfortunately, God usually grants the women in my family just half of a life; I never knew either of my grandmothers. My mom passed last year, too. I enjoy reading about your granny, though. She’s how I picture an ideal granny to be.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:01 am
This is the sweetest blog post I read in weeks. Yes, you are truly blessed to have such lovely people around you. and happy birthday.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:11 am
You are very lucky… enjoy the love…
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:27 am
Happy Birthday Tony.
It sounds to me like all the things you could ever wish for were given to you on that night! I thoroghly enjoyed this tale from start to finish and it left me feeling warm inside – Almost like I was at dinner with you all!
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:06 am
GRANNY ROCKS! (I know I’ve said that, or something similar before, but it bears repeating!)
And that’s like the however many-th post in a row that’s nearly made me cry… I was fine until I got to the blessing. Your Granny is one classy old lady!
Also, Happy B’day
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:05 am
Hey LT… That was awesome… Thank You… I have to agree with RT’s comment… September is coming, sooner than I’d like… I think the thing is that, you’ve allowed us a glimpse into your life… You are such an amazing writer, you tell a story in such a way, that it leaps off the screen… not just in plain black and white, but in amazing, vivid color… I’ll hate that your not here with more amazing stories… I think for me it’s the same feeling I get when I’m coming to the end of a great book… empty… Also, I kinda wanna make sure your okay when I can’t read about you anymore… But still, I can’t imagine a better ending… Our hero gets the guy, Granny is on a wagon, crackin’ the whip, and y’all ride off into the sunset…
Love from Atlanta
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:29 am
Tony I’m so glad you got to experience that family dinner. It had been a long time coming. I too will be sad when you stop blogging. Even my sister has started reading your blog, and she has asked me, “why does he want it to end?”
I will enjoy the next 60 days that are left.
Thank you!
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Living a life of grace,harmony and honesty will always be blessed. The transition in your life is a wonderful thing to watch happen. You’ve blessed me by allowing me to participate in the role of humble observer and commentator. Thank you!
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Tony you made me all feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and this time I wasn’t looking at your pics, heeheehee!!
It actually brought tears to my eyes, you are indeed very blesses. It sounds like you have a couple good apples there, and Granny is very wise and loving. Makes me miss my Grandma Malone when think of Granny.
I will miss the blog BTW. I wish only the best for you and the Atty and especially Granny.
~ Y ~
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:57 pm
This is one of my favorite entries ever. It’s so sweet, so authentic, and feels like home. You, Granny and, and the attorney are blessed to have each other.
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Tony, a belated Happy Birthday to you…and as always, thanks for sharing this important moment with us. Such a special evening, and that blessing…well, you are *truly* blessed.
You will be missed when graduation comes, all too quickly. Your reasons for going are clear, and you’ll remain in our hearts and minds…perhaps you will occasionally visit some of our blogs to say hi and let us know that all is well with you!
Meanwhile, enjoy the summer, the attorney, your Granny…all the wonderful things that make each day special!
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Tony, I have read your blog for a while now and have only posted a couple of times. I was born and raised in Tennessee and am a huge Vols fan. I always think of my Granny when you talk about yours, I know they would get along and have a lot of stories to tell if they had ever met. I lost my Granny 1 year ago and this post left me balling like a baby, but in a good way. Please give your Granny a huge hug from me and know that I will miss this both of you when this blog comes to an end. Take care of all of 3 of you.
July 4th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Wonderful! What a heartfelt and beautiful prayer from Granny. Blessings to all of you. And especially you Tony. This was a life changing meal! God was present!
July 4th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I swear (no, not literally), that granny of yours is hot. Smokin’ hot. She and Jesus are tight. And I stopped closing my eyes during prayer years ago too. I typically look up and stare and listen. Blessings are a fantastic thing, aren’t they?
July 5th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Tony,
I to have been a frequent reader, but have never posted until now. I am also from east TN. Your stories about your Granny hit close to home. What has surprised me about the never ending journey of coming out, is the acceptance from people that are viewed as “set in their ways.” Your journey has inspired me to spend even more time with my granny…Thank You!
July 6th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Well, there goes Granny. She said Grace and in one stroke solved all those supposedly raging arguments on women priests or gay marriage. Or women priests blessing gay marriages for that matter.
July 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
LT – you never cease to amaze me! Just when I think I’ve already read your best, heart-warming post (the kind that makes you smile, laugh, & cry tears of joy), you come through with yet another one! I like so many other of your readers, feel a personal connection to you through your words. It is exactly like reading a book where you relate to the characters and the stories and you get to go through all those wonderful things we call emotions that make us feel alive and part of the world. I’m going to miss those experiences with you but I’ll keep imagining in my mind a continuous story of wonderful times with you, Granny & the Attorney as central characters. I wish you many, many more Happy Birthdays with those you love and while you are blessed in so many ways, I too feel blessed to have known you through your blog.
July 6th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Tony: I have been reading for at least a year, I don’t want to see the blog end. But, the recent story had me all misty eyed. I wish that you have a long happy life with the Attorney and with Granny. My best to all of you. I love the pictures too that I have seen. Camillus
July 7th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
You have a great American hero in granny for the novels you will one day undertake.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Hi, Tony,
Just catching up on your blog. Like so many others have written, I had to wipe a lot of tears from my eyes. What a beautiful post. Best wishes to you, the Attorney and that incredible Granny of yours. Truly, you are a blessed man – in so many ways……….!