faith unfaded

A Facebook memory popped up today of one of my grandchildren from 6 years ago. He’s almost a teenager now but it’s been nearly two years since I’ve seen him. I may never get to see him again.

Casualties of war.

They were never step-grandchildren to me. Born after my marriage to their grandfather, they were part of our daily lives for many years. The oldest made me a grandma at 35.

Love doesn’t know boundaries. It doesn’t put provisions in place, or protect your heart with a prenuptial clause. It banks on forever.

In the beginning of the divorce, it appeared my relationship with my grandchildren would remain relatively unscathed. Assurances were made. Invitations were extended.

But divorce is war and the battle lines were drawn.

Children are often the biggest casualties of the divorce war.

It hasn’t been a total estrangement. Birthday and Christmas texts are exchanged with the older three who have their own phones. I wonder if they feel they are crossing enemy lines.

Family members who are still privy to social media accounts share my grandchildren’s milestones. It is a double-edged sword. They are growing up so quickly, my heart nearly stops a beat.

It’s hard to learn to love from afar.

But I do, because love doesn’t go away when the ink dries.

Even if it takes another form, it lives. And by living, Satan doesn’t get to make my loved ones a casualty of his war.