Last month, my husband and I had a whirlwind three days that was the start to our grandchildren’s summer vacation. It started with our granddaughter’s spring ballet recital. Her dance studio put on the ballet of Sleeping Beauty, which was beautifully staged and costumed, with scenery changes that were perfect. The recital started at 4:00 p.m. and wasn’t over until 7:00 p.m. Our granddaughter was in the final act. This would not have been an issue if it weren’t for the fact that we had to drive to Charlotte the minute it was over. Why, you might ask?
Our eldest grandson was graduating from middle school the next morning. He and his siblings have attended Trinity Episcopal School from kindergarten, and we have attended every important event they have been involved in, but this, obviously, was the one that meant the most to Jack. We made it to Charlotte a little after 10:00 p.m., spent a few minutes unwinding with our daughter and granddaughter, then unpacked what we needed for the next day. It was a wonderful ceremony. Along with his parents, sister and his three sets of grandparents, we took up an entire row of seats. Even his brother, who will move up to middle school, was asked to carry in the American flag.
That night, while Jack and his parents attended a graduation party, we were able to take our granddaughter, Ella, and grandson, Hudson, out to dinner. It is wonderful to have that one-on-one time with each of them. Ella is entering her senior year in high school which is so hard to believe; those years have seemed to fly by. Hudson, entering middle school, even though it’s the same school, will experience so many changes that I know he’ll want to talk about. The three siblings are very close, and I know that when Ella leaves for college, it will be hard on the boys not to have her around.
Being fortunate to have two, and soon to be four, of the seven grandchildren living across the street from us, means so very much. Having them greet me with bear hugs and kisses every time they see me makes my heart soar. Even when I stay with them, I try to do my best in abiding by their parents’ rules. Knowing that it is for the best, I still don’t like having to raise my voice or be firm when it is time for them to go to bed. However, after stalling at first, like every child does, they do listen. All my grandchildren have been raised to be respectful, know they are expected to abide by certain rules, be kind, giving and strong in faith.
I was fortunate to have wonderful, loving, supportive parents who were always there for my sister and me. We never wanted to disappoint them, and I don’t think we ever did. My one regret was not living closer to my grandparents. They were four amazing people who I loved dearly even though I only got to see them every summer when we went to Texas to visit. I am so glad that is not the way it is for my grands. I hope that they will look back when talking to their children about their Gigi and Pabo, and wonderful memories of us will be tales they tell.
Hopefully, I have many more years to make more and more of those memories. I look forward to watching each of them as they grow from child to adult. Where will life take them? What path will they follow leading to a career? I know they have parents who have taught and raised them well. Yes, I am a very proud Gigi with a heart filled with love and pride of these fantastic seven grandchildren. Be careful, if you ask me about my grandchildren, be prepared for a long oration!
