“Where’s Grandma?” my four-year-old granddaughter, Caroline, asked my husband when she went downstairs for breakfast this morning. Her face clouded over; every morning for the past three weeks, I’ve been there to hug her and put her on my lap. Today, I was at Toastmasters. How wonderful to be missed! We’ve only known each other for three weeks, and quickly she earned a spot in my heart. Lauren, her eleven-year-old sister, already had, though I hadn’t seen her in nearly five years. (Our son was stationed in Japan, if you’re wondering.)
It’s amazing how quickly my heart filled up with their presence. Priorities instantly changed, with all things work-related slipping precipitously down the priority list. What’s more important than nourishing my granddaughters’ lives? I’m cooking more that I ever have on a consistent basis, searching out fun and worthwhile activities for children, sitting on the floor playing with furry stuffed animals, creating forts from cushions… whatever comes up. My son’s giant container of Legos is off the shelf, in our family room, and being used to construct streets and buildings and vehicles. I always loved Legos and was sorry when our son grew up…though he now plays so enthusiastically with the girls that I think he’s happy to have an excuse.
And isn’t this the essence of life? To love and be loved, to grow our children and grandchildren, to share our bounty with them, whatever that may include? I am content.