We’ve been dealing with something of a family crisis lately, my grandmother’s suddenly declining health.

I visited with her Wednesday morning, and went back for much of Thursday (until my mom could get home. The kids were remarkably cooperative (other than Natasha simply not napping).

Grandma said more than once “Oh I am so glad you were here Amy.” And then the next morning (Friday) Mom called to reiterate the same thing. “When you have so much of your own to do at home,” they said.

It really is nice to be thanked, and I think I’ve said before I thrive on that. But what I find odd is the method of presentation (if that’s it?) implies I looked at the situation, weighed what needed to be done, and decided to go with Gma, either in spite of my own projects and/or deeming her more important.

The reality is that I didn’t do any weighing I all. I just showed up. My first (internal) response to the thanks (every time) was the question, “Where else could I go?” There was an obvious need, one I could fill (one I felt privileged to fill) so I did.

I am on-call to my children everyday, and being on-call for my grandma, getting to interact with her, enjoy her in a grown-up way I can’t yet with my children… I’m glad it gets to be me.

There are others (in her congregation for example) who I’m sure would step-forward to help, but I want it to be me. While I can do it. I like the way she lets me into her mind when I’m with her. I like getting to know and understand her better. I don’t like giving that up.