I only have one living grandparent left, and that is my paternal grandmother, Rachel Robles. Grandma Robles has been blessed with 99 years today. I thought today was the ideal day to share a little bit of her story and her wisdom. I wish I had done this years ago when her mind was sharper. These days, my heart aches because Grandma is no longer the lady I grew up knowing. As I spent time with her a couple of weeks ago, it broke my heart when she didn’t remember the names of her family members. I showed her many pictures of the family, and she remembers them randomly, but it’s not the same. And even though her short-term memory isn’t what it used to be, her long-term memory is still very vivid. She has fond memories of growing up, of marriage, and her life raising a family. Her face brightens up when she talks about Grandpa and the love and life they shared. Grandma and Grandpa Robles were always an admired couple. Their love was so strong and evident. Back in their days, so many people got married out of obligation, out of financial security, and some through arranged marriages. But their courtship began when they were both 15. It is a love story that has always been admirable. They were an amazing couple, and even through the financial struggles they faced in their marriage, they never disrespected each other. Their love is definitely unique.
Today I’d like to share a “vlog” with you all. Instead of writing out the words of Grandma, I’d like you to see her personally. I will be sharing videos of her words and the way that she describes pieces of her life. I wish I could have gotten more, but it was challenging to keep her on track, and I had to do a lot of editing to remove the repetition, the long pauses, and the conversations that went off-track. More than anything, she still has her strong faith in God, and I know she longs for the day that she can be in heaven with her Savior and the love of her life. My prayer is that God will have grace on Grandma and take her soon, so that she can finally have the desire of her heart. It is very hard to see someone you love no longer have the quality of life they once knew. Listen to her words, and I hope that something she shares might touch your heart like they did mine. Also, be sure to scroll to the end to see pictures of her life and a very special letter that she wrote after Grandpa passed away. It will bring you to tears…
Grandma’s letter after Grandpa passed away:
We promise
Before God
We promise we would love each other, longer than forever. My heart breaks with every memory I have of our life together.
We were so young, but our love was so true. I can still see your face – not when you were sick, not when you were old – but the face of a man that loves me forever.
I live with the memories of the beautiful years we shared our life and our love. There was never any doubt in my mind that you loved me. You never gave me diamonds or pearls, but I cherished every little flower you stopped on the road and picked for me.
Your last words you said to me were, “I love you very much.”
What love and what a man!
FindJoy 