The year was 1984.
Mrs. Sweetie and I had graduated from college in May, become Mr. and Mrs. in July, and moved to Fort Worth in August.
I was starting my studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary full-time and serving part-time as Minister of Music and Youth and Eagle Mountain Baptist Church.
Mrs. Sweetie was starting her career in education, teaching first grade at Walnut Creek Elementary School in Azle.
She was four months past her twenty-first birthday when school started. She was a brand-new wife, a brand-new teacher, and—for the first time in her life—lived more than 15 minutes away from her mom.
There were several experienced teachers at the school that took her under their wings over the first couple of years.
One of those relationships just “clicked” more than others.
For several reasons (none of which are important to the story in this context), Sweetie and Dannie “adopted” each other.
Because Dannie had become a surrogate mom as well as a mentor, it made perfect sense for her to become Grannie Dannie as our family began to increase.
Over the years, our kids have been blessed to have that extra Grannie who loved them so exquisitely. Both our kids have a collection of Christmas ornaments that came each year from Grannie Dannie as they grew into adulthood.
And it wasn’t just Sweetie and the kids who benefitted. Dannie made me feel loved and special as well.
I could always count on a big hug and words so much kinder and encouraging than I really deserved.
Once Dannie had retired, we didn’t see her and Jimmy quite as often, but we kept in touch as much as possible.
When Sweetie retired in 2013, she got involved in the retired educators association, which allowed her more opportunities to hang out with Dannie. I think they both benefitted from that.
A few months ago, it became apparent that Jimmy’s health was failing fast and his time was short. Dannie kept us posted along the way and when he passed, she asked me to sing at his funeral service. It was an honor for me to do so just over a month ago.
Just a few days ago, we received word that Dannie had contracted Covid, was hospitalized, and it didn’t look good.
She passed away yesterday, a month to the day after the love of her life.
I’ve been asked to sing the same song at her funeral service in a few days. I would not miss it for the world.
It occurs to me today that I am older now than Dannie was when she took my Sweetie under her wing and impacted her life immeasurably.
So today I’m not just remembering a special friend who became family.
I’m thinking about who, in my circles, needs someone who could be a Dannie to them.
Part of the amazing journey for which we were created is to be a part of the relay of blessing.
Who took an interest in you and took the risk to make themselves available to you?
For whom could you do the same?
Part of the amazing journey for which we were created is to be a part of the relay of blessing. Who took an interest in you and took the risk to make themselves available to you? For whom could you do the same? Share on XBe amazing today, my friend.
