When I was a "tween", my grandparents: Jessie May and Edward H. Garlock came to live with us. We lived in the parsonage next to the church my dad pastored. It was a massive three-story structure. Giving them a three-room apartment still left four bedrooms and large living area for our family.
Although they were in their 80's and in reasonably good health with alert minds--they agreed it was time for them to be near someone to keep an eye on them. For several years I, (along with my siblings), enjoyed the privilege of getting close to them.
My grandfather was not real steady on his feet and needed help getting in and out of my father's car. I was often the one offering my hand as he slowly emerged from the low vehicle. Each time he would quip:
"Sharon, if you help me while I'm old, I'll help you when you're old." He would chuckle, I would smile. This exercise and dialogue between us was repeated hundreds of times. I took it as a little joke, our own, at the time. However, as the years progress and I look back on his glib remark--I see a profound truth hidden there.
His testimony, the heritage of faith passed to my father and to me through Edward--is still helping me as I now approach the "old" phase of my life. So, I'm glad I helped my Grandpa Garlock when he was old, and I'm thankful that the power of God he and Grandma espoused is still a reality to me today!
"One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of your majesty, and of your wondrous works." Psalm 145:4 & 5.
Here is a picture of Edward H. Garlock sometime between 1913 and 1920. (You can see one of his children peeking out the door behind him. It may have been Faith.)
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