Short and Sweet

Day 187

I took a quick trip to lend a hand to my son and daughter-in-law. The side benefit of trips like this means a couple of stolen evenings with my grandchildren.

Photo Courtesy of Unsplash.com

Life is fleeting as we all now, but when you are truly spending time with children it is magical. You have no choice but to stay in the moment and enjoy every second.

The way the eyelashes hide a certain look or the smile of a child who just lost two teeth. The nose that wrinkles up when they laugh too hard or the sweet way brothers and sisters say goodnight to each other.

Sitting on the floor you realize they want nothing more than to just be with you, fully engaged, laughing, telling stories and dreaming of big magical dreams.

Then to see our children as spouses and parents make you wonder how time passed so quickly. These are the moments that you realize that somewhere, while you were stumbling and making mistakes every day, God thought you worthy of the most precious of gifts — family.

I am truly blessed.

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The Difficult Days

Day 161

Today was laundry and packing day. Tonight is my last evening with my family here in Florida.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Every time I see my granddaughter I get more and more attached. This time will be the most difficult yet. She knows who I am and looks for me when she gets up. I know she will adjust to me not being here rather quickly, but it will not be so easy for me.

So, tonight my chores are complete and we can just play until bedtime. Then a short time in the morning before she heads off to daycare.

My daughter is taking tomorrow off so we will have breakfast and have a few hours before I must go to the airport.

I am happy to be going home and seeing my husband. He is so happy for me to have these visits. The next time I hope he can come, too. It is so bittersweet to leave my family here and it is never easy to say farewell.

We are a close family. We love fiercely. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

A Lovely Day

Day 44

Today was quite lovely. We had a leisurely morning just enjoying our morning coffee and some cereal. Today was forecast to be warmer which was a welcome change from the cool rainy weather we’ve been having.

I took a couple of photos of the view out of our skylights. The sun was gorgeous and you can still see some fall color from the trees that have not yet dropped their leaves. It is another time of transition which I love.

Lunch with Family

We arranged to meet our nieces and their daughter at a restaurant in Asheville. It seems like it has been way too long since we have seen them. We decided to eat at HomeGrown, a cute but small and strangely laid out restaurant that offered a brunch menu.

Luckily the day was gorgeous and we ate outside on their enclosed (and heated) patio. I had a wonderful farm salad with a spring mix of greens, sunflower seeds and grilled apples with a balsamic reduction. It was delicious. I was so thankful they offered a half-size although I got hungry later in the afternoon. Everyone else had breakfast fare and I think we all found something we liked.

Voorhees Family Art Show

We went by the annual Voorhees Family Art show after lunch. What a beautiful display of various types of art! Stunning silver jewelry, silver and ceramic jewelry, beautiful hand-thrown pottery, watercolors and oils, handmade books, stained glass and much more. Hubby bought a new coffee cup for himself and we purchased something else that I cannot share here until after the holidays!

The Afternoon

The rest of the afternoon was just relaxing, running errands and taking in the day. I did take the opportunity to check out the location of the Writers Group in Asheville. Looks to be in a private home and I’m not sure how I feel about the location. I’m glad I did not rush into a decision on that.

Then it was off to Whole Foods, Fresh Market and Publix then home. All in all an extremely nice day filled with family, good food, and gorgeous weather.

Sometimes, days like these are truly all you need.

“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as
autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.”
Nathaniel Hawthorne

 

 

Reunions

Day 35

My flight was a little bumpy most of the time. Thankfully it was a short flight. It still amazes me that in an hour I can get from my house to my daughter’s.

I fly into a small airport so pickups and greetings are much easier. I knew I was arriving right at my granddaughter’s bath time so I knew my daughter would be picking me up. There she was at the bottom of the escalator waiting for me. I hugged her and she hugged me BIG like we always do. Then I glanced over and saw my daughter-in-law and my granddaughter! What a fabulous surprise. My heart jumped for joy! ❤️

Three months doesn’t sound long, but in the life of a child, things change dramatically. My granddaughter was much more talkative. I got to meet her new friend Daisy Duck that came from the airport gift shop. The drive home was only about 15 minutes which for this time of the night for her, was the perfect time. Any more would have been too much.

Once home, my granddaughter walked over to me, took my hair in her hand and hugged me for the longest time. She would not let go which was fine by me! It is a moment I will hold in my heart forever. That kind of love is indescribable and I know I am truly blessed.

Bath time, hugs and a few more cuddles then it was bedtime for my little one. Afterward, my girls and I chatted, had a late dinner, and then everyone hit the sack.

I have always lived away from some members of my family, and these reunions are everything. I wish the distance was not so far, but I am thankful it is no farther than it is. In all these things I am blessed.

Being around a baby lifts you like nothing else can. Their entire environment reminds you of all the things we hope for everyone. A happy home and a family who loves us. What more do we need?

“Spread love. Hug the people you care about and make sure they know that you care and appreciate them. Make it known to your friends and family that you love them.”
Germany Kent