As we move through the months and years of our lives, we also move through relationships, some sought out by us and others arriving on their own. For example, when our children marry, their in-law families become shirt-tail relatives, and we are put together on important occasions. Some of these required relationships remain formal. Others are treasures.

Nate and I “clicked” immediately with Hans’ parents-in-law, Cliff and Sarah. Because they live in England, I knew we probably wouldn’t see much of them, but in the last four years, we’ve been together over seven different chunks of time. It’s been much easier to develop relationships than any of us anticipated, and we are counting our blessings.

When Nate died, Cliff and Sarah made their way from Britain to the States to be a part of his visitation and services. Flying six time zones away from home for just three days on two expensive plane tickets is a sacrifice of immense proportion none of us will every forget. And this week we are together again, although Nate is not among us. He is the subject of many conversations, though, and I’m thankful Cliff and Sarah miss him greatly. We are of one mind in that.

Today Sarah and I spent some good grandma time with each other and with our three little charges, giving Katy some well-deserved time off. She went to town and then walked in the hills on a beautiful sunny day in the UK, providing us with feeding bottles for the twins before she left. Sarah and I enjoyed working with and playing with our miniature relatives, twins Thomas and Evelyn (four weeks old today), and Nicholas (16 months).

We sang with the children, did dishes, read stories, ate and fed, admired the wonder of it all and hung up the most adorable laundry in the neighborhood. In addition to that, Sarah and I had a happy time being together, continuing to strengthen our friendship and add to our store of memories. What a privilege it is to know her. She is a woman of grace, love and patience. When she was working with little Evelyn today, I watched the baby grab Sarah’s necklace, pulling it tight and hanging on for dear life. Her granny, a natural, never noticed. When I watch Nicholas relate so lovingly to her, I feel less badly that I’m 4000 miles away during most of the year. Sarah is grandma enough for both of us.

Today she and I experimented with a camera, struggling to take video footage of the twins while they both chirped with the hiccups. As much fun as my kids will have watching those mini-movies, Sarah and I had an even better time making them. Although my visit is twinged with sadness because Nate isn’t here, the days are themed with gladness because of the people God has brought into our/my life through Katy’s parents.

In addition to sharing three grandchildren, Sarah and I share a faith in the same Savior, and his name pops up in our conversation frequently. She and I are co-grandmas, and we’re also sisters-in-Christ. For both relationships I am exceedingly grateful. Together we will teach these children not only how to toss a ball and ride a scooter but how to love the same Lord we love. And there is no better project for the two of us to share.

 “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” (Psalm 78:4)