Grandmas

Yesterday, Boo, Bardo, and I went to the park during Pippi's piano lesson.  The weather was nice, and now that Boo's becoming a three-year-old she needs lots and lots of outdoor time.  At the park, we always make new friends.  Boo, after running around on the playscape decided that she needed to swing.  Just has she hopped on the swing, another two-year old, with her great grandma right behind her sat on the adjacent swing.  So I stood there, pushing Boo, right next to the great grandma.  She suddenly says, "I'm so lucky that my granddaughter lets me do this.  She's an attorney and she has a big case, and she lets me help her out, even at my age."  So I told her she looked capable enough and asked her how old she was.  She proudly answered 79.  I asked her for her secret to a strong, long life.  She replied, "Well, I take a lot of vitamins, and I love to work hard."  So there you go.  Good nutrition and hard work are the secret.  But I could sense something else in this woman as she cared for her great-granddaughter:  gratitude, love, and a fierce sense of independence.  "My doctor tells me I'm wasting my  money on all those vitamins, but..."  Her voice fades off.  She's doing what works for her.  Oh.  And she sprouts, too.  Just like my friend's grandma.

So today, I'm thankful for grandmas.  My own grandma is so beautiful, loves children and tells all of them to just call her grandma.  She keeps herself busy gardening, quilting, reading, and serving in the church.  I'll never forget going to the old folks home with her, where she served as a volunteer.  She played the piano, and I sang behind her.  Such fun!  Whenever I bring my crew in for a visit, my grandma makes sure she's there with hot rolls and goody bags for my children.  My grandma now bravely reaches outside her comfort zone, checking blogs and getting on Facebook all because she loves us.  She's traveled the country helping out her kids and connecting with them.  My grandma loves everybody and doesn't have a mean bone in her body.  I love my grandma.