Being a grandparent is one of the best things ever. You get to love on those little ones, give them forbidden treats, and get so excited when you get a hug or an “I love you.” It’s when you are faced with a grandchild who is sick or hurting that it’s a whole new ball game.
When Macy was going to have her surgery, I told Kristen that I would be wherever she needed me. So my first week was spent watching McKenna, enjoying softball, soccer, eating pizza, and all the fun things that go on with grand-parenting a 9 year old. But in reality, I hid my feelings of being scared that another grandchild was struggling in the ICU. I am a great actor but when I went to bed and all those scared feelings rose to the top. Worry about my daughter, son-in-law, and especially Macy facing all the challenges with the surgery and recovery. Not being there to support Kristen was hard. She’s my baby.
Now it was time for me to head to Chicago. Arriving at the ICU, I was met by Kristen with hugs and tears of happiness. I wanted to turn back time when she was young and I could solve all her problems and make everything better. Seeing your child struggle, your granddaughter struggle was the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. I wanted to help but there was nothing I could do. I couldn’t fix it so I became the “runner.”
I ran for breakfast. I ran for tea. I ran for supplies. I ran for lunch, did laundry, and ran and found us a dinner that many times was left uneaten because of a backward step taken by Macy in the ICU.
Even being there, I waited for Kristen’s blog at night when I was back at the Ronald McDonald house. She poured her heart out and many times, I cried wishing once again, I could fix it all.
There were times we all cried. Times when Kristen went to the bathroom to cry and holding her just didn’t cut it. Watching Macy in such pain was agonizing and seeing Kristen’s face lined with worry was heartbreaking. It was so hard to see Kristen miss McKenna and Jeremy and just wishing that things with Macy would turn around.
Little by little baby steps were made. Occasional smiles from them. A laugh at Grandma when she did a funny dance or made a silly joke. Finally, on the way back to the Ronald McDonald house, I watched the two of them smell the fresh air, comment on the sun, and see smiles on their faces.
Challenges are hard. We don’t get to pick the challenges that God places in front of us. Life isn’t fair. Sometimes you just can’t fix it.
This VanVleet family steamrolls ahead and handles all that is in their way. I couldn’t be any more proud that I am part of this family. We are all Macy Girl Strong!
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