Bless the little ones

It had been a long day which was lengthened a bit by having an enjoyable dinner with my daughter-in-law.  Getting home at 8:00 isn't normal for me and I still have to bake something to take to school tomorrow.  So when I saw the message light on the phone blinking I groaned inwardly.  I don't know why I dislike listening to voice mail but I do. I punched in the buttons and then heard, "Hi Grandma.  I was just wondering how you were doing. Bye."

I stopped smiled and actually teared up a bit. My grandson is a very concerned and considerate boy.  Its always nice to know some one is thinking of you and to know they care.  I felt sad because it was too late to call him back and I haven't had the chance to celebrate the loss of his second tooth.  I have been blest with many little ones in my life from dear nieces and nephews to the vulnerable students I work with and I love them all in a special way but I had no idea how much my four grandkids would come to mean to me.  It is truly a special relationship.

I also felt sad because I have to bake tonight because of a tragedy in the Winnipeg area.  On Monday most of us in the city and surrounding area stopped and were silent when we heard that a young girl was mauled to death by the dogs of a family friend, pets she had played with.  I can't bring myself to even try to comprehend the sorrow and the horror - my mind and my heart just won't go there. But today someone at work sent out an email that her mother knew the family and was arranging the baking for the funeral. Would we help.

I signed up immediately.  Its like laying flowers on a sidewalk, its something I can do.  Any death makes us feel helpless but especially the death of a child.  We pray, we talk, we shake our heads but we really want to do something.  Will brownies help ? Not the family.  But they may help me. I'll bake and I'll pray.  Bless this poor grieving family but also bless my precious crew of little ones. Keep them safe and protected.  There are no guarantees but there is also no where else to put my trust.  That's a good thing.

Lord, bless all the little ones, whether we are grown up or not.