no.36 130605 Thank you for my grandparents

My grandmas, at a restaurant at the airport!

I am the oldest of my generation in my family. I have one younger sister, and all my cousins are younger than me. It makes sense because my dad and my mom are both firstborns, and they got married much earlier than their siblings. But they didn't get married at an early age. Anyways, I am a very lucky girl since I have all of my grandparents still with me. Growing up, I didn't think it was such a blessing to have all four grandparents who love me. I thought it was something obvious - everyone has grandparents, right? Plus, you don't really talk about your grandparents with your friends when you're young (at least I didn't). So I didn't know if my friends' grandma or grandpa had passed away or not.

The first time that left a big impression on me was when I was coming back from Korea in 2007. I stayed there for the summer and it was the day when I had to return to Canada. All my relatives with cars were busy, so they couldn't take me to the airport. Also, I didn't mind taking the airport limo - it's pretty comfy and convenient. That summer, I stayed with my grandparents on my mom's side. They insisted on coming with me to say goodbye at the airport. The three of us took the airport limo together. My grandparents on my dad's side also wanted to see me for the last time, so they took the subway to the airport. It certainly took them more than an hour but they still came, only to see me.

After checking in, the five of us when to eat something. While I was eating udon, something crossed my mind. It made me thank the present. Even if it was a sad that I am leaving my motherland and I didn't know when I would be able to come back, I was enjoying a meal with my beloved grandparents. I was so thankful that they are still healthy, and they are still spending time with me and having a meal with me. Then it also made me sad. Although they are healthy, they are still old aged. I didn't know what will happen to them. Also, I'm not even around them most of the time and I didn't even know when I can visit Korea again. I got really depressed when I thought that this could be the last time that I get to see all four of them together. Because you really don't know what will happen to them or to myself (but most likely to them, considering that they are 75+). I had the toughest time saying goodbye. I remember crying a lot, because the thought of me not seeing them again occupied my mind. I hugged each of my grandparents and said goodbye, wishing them a good health. I felt bad just leaving them there at the airport.

It's been almost 6 years since I worried about not seeing my grandparents again. Luckily, I got a chance to see them again a few years ago when I visited Korea again. Since then, I didn't see my grandparents in person, but I still call them from time to time. It's always nice to talk to them on the phone. I'm thankful for my grandparents today. I want to thank God especially for my dad's dad because I heard from my mom this morning that he finally went home after how months and months of staying in the hospital. He had a stroke last fall and until today, he was in the hospital. Although he can't fully use his legs, he is doing much better than before.

I pray for my grandpa and all of my grandparents for their health. I know one day they will leave me and my family when God calls them back. But until then, I want to spend more time with them and make lots of memories. It's unfortunate that I am not in the same country as them. I want to visit them as often as I can, but I won't lie, it's difficult - time is one thing, and money is the other. I just don't want to have any regrets when it is their time to go. Although I can't visit them when I want, I can still call them when I want. I'm going to try to call my grandparents more often! That's the least I could do for them.