Here we are in September. For most of us, schools are in session and fall is upon us, though, I feel fall starts the first of the month. It’s probably just wishful thinking as the days are still hot, and the only leaves that change are the ones that are losing their foliage due to lack of water and too much sun. Still, I look forward to wearing the clothes that have hung in my closet all spring and summer, replacing the lighter colors and fabrics associated with warm weather.
What I miss about summer ending is not getting to spend as much time with my grandchildren. My almost-twelve-year-old granddaughter is embarking on the new experience of middle school. I think she’s a bit apprehensive about all the changes that come with a new school, but I know she’ll adjust and continue being an exceptional student. Besides missing them during the day, they will have outside activities to attend. I will be attending several soccer games here and away and look forward to cheering on their teams.
This year, September 8th is designated as Grandparents’ Day. Personally, I don’t need a day set aside to celebrate, as I am blessed to have all of mine in North Carolina. Even though my parents lived in Florida, my daughters had a wonderfully close and loving relationship with them. Having two daughters, they knew how to keep them entertained when we visited, leaving them with memories they still cherish. My dad, whom they called Papa, turned on the sprinkler system so they could play on a hot afternoon. He entertained all five of his granddaughters, being a good sport at dress-up time, swimming with them in the pool and reading to them when they climbed in his lap before going to bed. Honey, as they called my mom, always had plans to keep them busy and happy. She had things to do and see no matter the weather. The beach was always high on the list, but whether going out or staying in, it was always making sure her sweet granddaughters were having a grand time. So, even though they only saw them a couple of times a year, they knew they were much loved by their granddaughters, and the feeling was mutual.
My in-laws lived in Winston-Salem. They were close to our girls, but the experiences were different due to their ability to see them more often. They were able to be there for many of their school and extracurricular activities. My father-in-law loved to do woodworking as a hobby and had a shop set up in their basement. The girls learned a bit when he had them over to help build something. One of the most looked forward to outings was going up to their mountain home and finding the perfect Christmas tree to cut down. We went to Ashe County after Thanksgiving, had an amazing lunch at our favorite restaurant and then started the search. With high ceilings at home, we always ended up with a tall and beautifully shaped tree to enjoy all through the holidays.
These memories not only stay with my girls, but with me, as well. It’s the time spent together that I cherish. The happy greetings when they see their Pabo, the name they call their granddad, and Gigi, the name I am called. It’s not just about vacation time; it is all the different times we’re together. Watching them growing up into incredible people with qualities that make me so proud – not only of them, but their parents, as well, who make sure they are respectful, kind and not wasting all the benefits they’ve been afforded.
As I have noted many times, I am incredibly blessed. It is not something I take for granted, but something for which I am truly grateful. I look forward to making more wonderful memories for many more years and hope the same for you.
