More Spare Change

I have never written a follow-up column before.

But when I wrote about change last week, the feedback I got from all of you was incredible.

Inspiring, really.

It seems we all in one way or another are facing change right now and struggling to get through this season unscathed.

Of all the responses I received, there was one that particularly rocked me; one that brought me to my knees.

It was from my Grandpa.

Who lost his wife a month ago.

He said this:

“Lynds, Your mom sent me your latest effort, ‘Change is hard.’ I’m learning something about that now – it is hard. So, it will take me quite some time to make adjustments – but I’m trying. Not trying too hard, but trying. The root bound plant example was excellent.”

Strange or coincidental, I just repotted two of your grandmas plants -Christmas Cacti – as they were root bound. Now given a new home, they’ll do better.”

Grandma fought cancer for over two years. Her battle was one of grit, determination and hope.

This summer, while discussing her resilience after a recent chemotherapy treatment, Gramps described her as a “tough, little sh*&”.

“Well put, Gramps,” I responded, smiling with tears in my eyes.

I can’t begin to grasp what change like that looks or feels like – change that takes your best friend of over 65 years from you.

But I could not miss the poignant insight into change, life and pain in Gramps’ final statement, “Now given a new home, they’ll do better.”

And she will, she will.