Memories in the Attic

Grandparents as newlyweds after World War II

Few people will likely have the impact on me that my Grandpa and Grandma Ver Steeg did.  They blessed their children (my mother) and grandchildren with endless riches, and it didn't come in the form of currency.  What they gave us, no money on earth could buy.  They embraced my father, their son-in-law, as their own and poured their love into his heart. They were willingly used by God to bring healing in my dad's broken places.  Though perfected in Christ Jesus, they (like all of us), did not live perfectly.  They did, however, exemplify what many who profess to know God do not.  You would know Carl and Driscilla Ver Steeg by their love. First, their love for the Lord Jesus Christ; secondly, their 50 years loving each other as husband and wife; thirdly, the undying devotion and godly support for their children; and last, but not least, they made us granddaughters feel like we were the apple(s) of their eye(s).

Family was their favorite pastime. Sitting around their table was a memory filled with stories, laughter, prayer, and Dutch bakery treats! Whoever walked into their home was welcomed with hospitality that could only come out of an overflow of their love for God. I miss them, ache for them, and am so thankful that Heaven is our eternal home and that in the best of life yet to come, I will be with them always.  My heart will always hold them near. I'll forever be grateful that they poured Jesus out and left me a rich family legacy.   I currently enjoy this same legacy with my own father and mother, and long to always share it with my own family at every gathering around our table.


I've been contemplating this legacy of love more, lately, through the process of moving with my folks.

We've been packing and unpacking for months now.   The sorting process unearthed more of my grandparent's "treasures" and brought the memories afresh to the forefront of my mind. As a result, the

Lord gave me this poem in honor of Grandpa & Grandma's dedication to family.  Permit me to share it with you. Life is a whirlwind these days. Relationships take a lot of time and work.  But I want to encourage each of you to actively engage in family time and traditions.  Allow God's love, through the  indwelling life of Christ, to touch the heart of those around you.  The smallest acts of Spirit-lead kindness (setting a table for tea, going through photo albums, hugging a child, writing a card & mailing it, doing the dishes for a tired Mom, washing the car for spouse/Dad etc...) can forever change a life. I know.  It did mine. 

Ver Steeg Family 1957 -Carl and Driscilla with their children (L to R: Mary-7, Jane-3, and John-10)

Memories in the attic

A place I long to be

Tip toe up the stairs, push the creaking door

Endless delight there to see

Memories in the attic

Where fun and games are waiting

Puzzle pieces of heritage

Stories on Grandma's lap and Grandpa's knee

Memories in the attic

An important place to me

A treasure of tales to tell

 Three sweet faces filled with glee

Memories in the attic

A painful place to breathe

Death came to the treasure keepers

It's time to pass the Key

 Come brush the dust away

Favored things chosen before we leave

Recall the glory of His life poured out

A legacy of Hope and Love to cleave 

Memories in the attic

 More than just things

 Unfolding of history

Discovering my family song

Tea Time with Mom (L to R: Libby-8, Abi-10, Mom-ageless, and me-5)