55 Grandma's

 In telling many of my stories at the retirement home I used to work at, I captured the attention of several residents who were interested in changing my life. 

They were a small part (called Chapter G) of a larger organization called P.E.O. (philanthropic educational organization) that was interesting in choosing a young woman for a scholarship. They asked me if I was interested and of course I agreed! 

I desperately needed the money for college.

They told me that they had several other young women in mind and so I would have to go through an interview to see which one of us they would choose to nominate from their organization. Coming out of the interview, I really thought that I had a slim chance of being chosen. However, later they called me and they were SO excited to inform me that they had chosen me!

After that, I was given the opportunity to meet all of them that were a part of this group, since I had only met several of them in the interview. I remember dressing my best and driving to meet them, I was beyond nervous.

I walked into the meeting that day never to walk out the same. All heads turned as I walked through the front door. There were about 30 or so of the 55 members in the room, all waiting for me to say something. One woman introduced me to the group and asked me to say a few words. 

I'm surprised I was even able to choke out any sort of English that day. As I am thanking them for everything and telling a little bit about myself I remember glancing around the room and seeing the women's eyes welling up with tears.

 It was one of the most powerful moments of my life.

So then things got serious. I was put into a large pool of other young women from all over the country who all had just as much of a chance of being chosen that I had. It was a painful few months after I had sent my very large application in as I anticipated the larger organization's final decision. Eventually, I received a very exciting phone call that I had been chosen to receive the scholarship! 

So WHY am I telling you this seemingly pointless story? It's because there is a point. Several of them, actually. 

1. God will always provide

If you pray for it, and it's God's will- He will make it happen. Coming from a single parent home, there is usually a slim chance of getting into a nice, private college with a great nursing program- but God made the impossible- possible. 

2. You are always where you are supposed to be

If I would have had any other job then serving residents food at a nursing home, I never would have gotten the opportunity

3. Real Love

Not one of the women knew my entire life story, my daily struggles, or what I had been going through during the time that I knew them-but they treated me like one of their grandchildren anyway. They sent me care packages at college, encouraging words, and heartfelt e-mails. 

It's funny to think back to my first semester at college.

 Everyone always says that it's going to be a hard transition, but you always hope that you would be the exception to that and be totally fine. They say that college freshmen are some of the most depressed and anxiety ridden students.

 Unfortunately, I had a very difficult transition and at times I found myself incapable of getting out of bed to go to class most mornings. I was always a very happy young woman, but now I was starting to find out that even things that I used to enjoy, no longer were making me happy. I knew something was wrong, but I thought that I would be able to figure things out for myself. (I hate asking for help.)

I remember opening my mailbox one day and seeing that I had gotten a package from them. I was interested to see what was inside. I brought it back to my dorm room and opened it. Inside there were candies, baked goods, and a card. The card was signed by all of the members of Chapter G and included heartfelt messages from each one of them. Messages that said “We believe in you!”, “You can do this!”, “Good Luck!”, and “Praying for you!” brought tears to my eyes. I cried myself to sleep that night I felt so blessed.

Here I was at this amazing university and I was ready to quit because I thought I didn't have any other options. That very next day I visited my doctor and I was able to get some blood tests done to figure out why I was having such trouble concentrating in class, being happy, and just overall doing well in my courses. It turns out that I just needed to take some extra vitamins.

So what’s the moral of this story?

I love my 55 grandma’s. They keep me striving for what I deserve even when I find it hard to believe in myself. It’s funny how a simple card, a warm wish, or a thoughtful gift, can change a person’s point of view. It’s also funny how God never puts people in your life by mistake, leads you to a challenge without a better outcome, or lets you carry your burdens on your own.

So whether you’re an Atheist, Catholic, Christian, Muslim, or another religion (or maybe no religion at all) I challenge you to spend time with your loved ones and appreciate the time with them that you have, send someone a heartfelt card or a gift, and make sure that you always realize how blessed you are and take time to look around at all of the little things and be thankful for them.

A few of my Grandma's