Switching Gears - Parents and Grandparents
When driving my car I noticed that there is this calm moment in the engine between gears, whether you are shifting up or down. This last week we have gone at a wonderfully slow pace. I like driving fast, but slow has been pretty good this last week.
I am delighted to hear that Granny and Poppy are still holding up and obviously have met the challenges of sitting in small compartments and being whipped around at G-Force speed for the sole purpose of putting a smile on their grandchildren faces. It must be what's it's all about.
I cannot say I had the privilege of such adventurous moments with my grandparents, however I do remember some truly great moments. I remember chasing oranges floating around Seapoint. Swimming in giant pools with Granny Schur. Eating cottage cheese with Aunt Maureen and talking to the birds. Drinking tea in small cups at the big table with Granny Breakey. Asking Poppy Schur what 'kinds' of nosh he had in his cupboard. These are the moments that somehow stand out in your childhood. Perhaps they stand out because they are with people you love (and who also love you) but don't get to see very often. I am not sure what it is about grandparents except to say that they are truly special. They have this magnificent way of knowing. One could argue that it has to do with wisdom and experience, but I would like to see it as a youthfulness. There are sparkles in grandparents eyes when they are one on one with their grandchildren, it's almost as if there is a license as a grandparent to be a child again. Obviously parents cannot play this game, as parents we are the task driven, the supporters and the coaches of life.
My children have the greatest gift ever. For the last week they have had 100% of their Granny and Poppy and I hope they will have the fond memories that I have, but in much greater detail and with a much deeper impact. I am so grateful that they get to have this time, not just because my husband and I have had the most wonderful week of solace together, but mostly because they get to know their grandparents. They get to be loved deeply by others and I think the more people that love my children, the stronger and better they are in life.
While our lives may be hectic and we are separated by geography it is nice to know that life can sometimes slow down and build memories for us all.
Thanks Mom and Dad for the break you gave James and I, but most of all thanks for the memories that you continue to give my kids, your grandchildren.
I am delighted to hear that Granny and Poppy are still holding up and obviously have met the challenges of sitting in small compartments and being whipped around at G-Force speed for the sole purpose of putting a smile on their grandchildren faces. It must be what's it's all about.
I cannot say I had the privilege of such adventurous moments with my grandparents, however I do remember some truly great moments. I remember chasing oranges floating around Seapoint. Swimming in giant pools with Granny Schur. Eating cottage cheese with Aunt Maureen and talking to the birds. Drinking tea in small cups at the big table with Granny Breakey. Asking Poppy Schur what 'kinds' of nosh he had in his cupboard. These are the moments that somehow stand out in your childhood. Perhaps they stand out because they are with people you love (and who also love you) but don't get to see very often. I am not sure what it is about grandparents except to say that they are truly special. They have this magnificent way of knowing. One could argue that it has to do with wisdom and experience, but I would like to see it as a youthfulness. There are sparkles in grandparents eyes when they are one on one with their grandchildren, it's almost as if there is a license as a grandparent to be a child again. Obviously parents cannot play this game, as parents we are the task driven, the supporters and the coaches of life.
My children have the greatest gift ever. For the last week they have had 100% of their Granny and Poppy and I hope they will have the fond memories that I have, but in much greater detail and with a much deeper impact. I am so grateful that they get to have this time, not just because my husband and I have had the most wonderful week of solace together, but mostly because they get to know their grandparents. They get to be loved deeply by others and I think the more people that love my children, the stronger and better they are in life.
While our lives may be hectic and we are separated by geography it is nice to know that life can sometimes slow down and build memories for us all.
Thanks Mom and Dad for the break you gave James and I, but most of all thanks for the memories that you continue to give my kids, your grandchildren.
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