I realized that Rami, having been born in Ohio, had never been to Gram's house.
Nesi had never been to Gram's house, but, more ridiculous yet, she had never even met Gram.
Something deep inside me just wanted my kids to be there.
Wanted them to hug Gram.
Wanted them to pound up the back steps onto the latticed porch to grab a fast snuggle...
...or just stay there and chat for awhile.
Wanted them to tromp down the same blacktop driveway and dash through the same yard that I did as a little child.
Wanted them to rough house in her living room.
Wanted them to inhale the sharp scent of her tomato plants and pick the prettiest ones just for her, even if they are green.
Wanted them to pose for family photos in the tiny kitchen....
....and squeeze in next to her to grab a bite at the table.
Wanted them to experience her incredible story-reading...
....to listen to her re-tell the stories behind family photographs....
(When Gram pulled out the lefthand middle photo, she said, "Now, here's 'sexy me.'" Sexy, indeed.)
...and to hear her say, over and over, "You are the best."
So the incredible Auntie Al and I schlepped all three ducklings from Kansas City
through Chicago
and on to Wilkes-Barre
and back again
It was 100%, completely and totally worth it.
Can't wait for next time, Gram.
("I'll say!" "And how!" Gram would reply.)
We love you so very, very much. Thanks for having us.
Can't wait for next time, Gram.
("I'll say!" "And how!" Gram would reply.)
We love you so very, very much. Thanks for having us.
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Oh my goodness. What an amazing post. I am tearing up just reading it. I am so glad that you had the idea to take us and the children to go and see gram. When else would I have had a time to see you, the children, gram, and most of our family gathered together? All of the traveling and stress was well worth it once we got to see how happy Gram was to see everyone (especially the children). I am so happy that she got to see the kids. I am so happy you took so many great pictures of everyone together. WHAT AN AMAZING IDEA TO TAKE PICTURES OF ALL OF GRAMS OLDER PICTURES. Those are the pictures that we grew up with--now we get to see them everyday if we want. I am sure dad is very grateful to have pictures of the pictures. You did a great service to your family in coordinating the trip and in following up the trip with such an amazing blog post. I had an excellent time with you! Love you-Auntie Al
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