31. Grammy

Grammy is a surrogate maternal grandmother to my daughter. She is also a mortal angel.

Have you ever found yourself in a life situation where you realize you can't keep going in the same direction without someone by your side? That heaven would literally open up and have to deliver someone to remind you of the light. Well, I have. And that's exactly what heaven did. 

Evalyn was my gift. I was not committed to anything including my marriage, my church or myself when I met her. I needed a loving mother figure to give me a swift kick. 

Several miracles later, I was introduced to a retired teacher who had some extra love and time on her hands to take care of a 2 week-old colicky baby and me. Everyday I came to pick up my daughter. She was clean, hair done, bottles and clothes washed, fed, happy, chewed gum at 14 months, potty trained at 18 months, sang songs, learned to count, and recited The Story of Little Black Sambo. 

And if there is a record in heaven keeping track, I know what my scrawny book looks like. Evalyn's record book is the thick one with several pages of my scribbled name. My mom's book is thick too. The records are probably filed by thickness. 

I can't even find the words to express my overflowing gratitude for Grammy's love and acceptance of me and my daughter, and the wonderful advice, Pay it forward.