Four weeks ago, my daughter and my three grandchildren moved a considerable distance from me. I had seen the trio and their Mom every day. I followed my daughter to Ohio, at her request, witnessed the birth of all three children, saw them or cared for them every day since the oldest (nine) was born. With the move, I most certainly should have been admitted into a cushy institution to detox and survive the withdrawal disability suffered. The children have spent two of the four weekends with me since they left. They phone once or twice a day to say "Hi!". My distress is easing. Now, I only need a support group and regular "meetings" to keep the caretaker addiction at bay.
HOWEVER:
One morning, Tess phoned giggling. "Meme!" (pronounced may may) "I have to make these kids (her brothers ages 8 and 5) breakfast! Mommy is still upstairs doing stuff and the boys are hungry. I'm making cereal!" So, seven year old Tess and I via the snappy phone wires (or cordless phone) made and ate breakfast with the boys. When Tiff came downstairs, we had a cup of coffee and planned our day(s). Later, Todd and I rode his scooter and discussed the malfunction of the rear, 360 degree wheel. Ah-ha! God bless cell phones! During one of the first nights in their new home, Tess phoned. "Meme, I'm scared." After learning that Tanner (youngest-5) was with her in her room, I suggested that they snuggle with their blankets and we would have a pajama party until we fell asleep. Tanner fell asleep first. Tess yawned and after an hour of our "party", she drifted off to sleep. I kept the connection open "just in case" she woke up. Late into the night, while Tiff did her "rounds", she found the phone glowing on Tess' bed. "Hello?" "Hi Tiff! Tess, Tanner and I had a pajama party!" She laughed, hung up and blessed the day that the phones became cordless. The next morning, Tess wrote my number on papers for both boys to keep.
During the following night, my phone rang. "Meme! There's a noise in my closet!" Todd was whispering into the phone. "Well Todd, let's tell silly stories and make up songs!" That is about the best that a mature grandparent can do. Well, at least this one. So, into the evening, we sillied and sillied!
Tess was lonely and missed me one evening. She phoned rather sadly. "Tess," I said, choking back tears myself, "we are together now, we are under the same sky and stars!" (Sounds like "American Tale") "Remember the kisses that I left in your hands the last time that I saw you?" Tess sighed, "Yes, Meme." I instructed, "Open your hands and put them all over your face! Let them tickle your neck!" Tess giggled and we hung up.
Now, God really had it going on when He moved the heavens for the creation of Cell Phones! One afternoon, Tanner phoned and asked if I wanted to take a ride on his tractor (Pedal powered, John Deere). I said that I would love to ride with him and asked if he's a good driver. He assured me that he could drive like the best of all drivers. So, we took off! We raced down the driveway. "Tanner! Slow down!" He laughed and went faster! We chugged up the driveway. We then went down even faster and dodged some sticks on the way back up. On the next ride down the driveway, Tanner pointed out some beautiful flowers and falling leaves. We swerved around a rock on the next ride back up. For at least an hour, Tanner and I rode the pedal tractor and chit-chatted about the adventure! He began Kindergarten two days after the older two. So, Tiff, walked Tanner (still driving his tractor) and I (windblown and breathless after such fast riding) down the driveway to meet his brother and sister as they disembarked from their school bus. I walked up the driveway from the bus, slowly feeling the weight of Todd's backpack and listening to his explanation of the difficulty and depth of the third grade. The discomfort of the backpack vanished as I completed the walk up the driveway listening to Tess describe her new classmates and certain expectations of second grade. Oh, and, she had a new best friend already!
One afternoon, Tess and I sorted hair ribbons and assorted ornaments for her hair vial the cordless. Later, Tanner played some music for me while he explained some dance moves. We danced together until dinner. Todd needed a television companion one evening. Tiff had heard enough about super heroes. She finally tossed the phone to Todd and said, "Here, Meme loves that show!" We watched the good guys win on some program or other and I do know to stay away from "Serpentine"! Tess and I studied for a spelling test last week. "Mud", "mad" and "an" required a little more concentration. We did very well though and scored 100%!
Last night, Tess and Tanner were asleep. Tiff, getting ready for bed, gave Todd the phone in case he wanted to say Good Night to Meme. He phoned! We discussed his birthday party invitations that I had bought and wrote for him. I assured him that I would bring them to his birthday dinner today. We they acquired "Fire Cat" as a pet for "Wizards 101". Well into the night, we talked while we played the game. Suddenly, I realized that it was midnight! "Todd! You aren't eight years old anymore! Happy Birthday nine year old!" Nine years ago, I greeted an adorable little blue eyed baby. Miles and miles and years later, I was the first to usher in another year with him! After Mass, He took me for a ride on his new bicycle (birthday gift from Mom) before we met for his birthday dinner.
The four of us, in spite of the distance, have played, laughed, studied, watched television, prepared meals, rode a tractor, rode a bicycle, danced, sang, put on costumes and silly hats, organized, put away, took out. Thank you Mr. Bell for the gift of the children even when they are not physically with me. Thanks Tiff for such precious gifts. Thank God for giving Mr. Bell and Tiff the dispositions/abilities for their achievements.
Please excuse me now. I have to run and plug in my phone! We've been so busy and I don't want to miss a minute!
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