A Perfect Day Redefined
There are so many days that end with me thinking, “now that was a perfect day!”
This one most surely tops them all. I woke up later than I intended and got a message that my daughter in law was ill. My son was not home and the oldest grandson who is seven was in school. I called my DIL to let her know I would come and pick up my youngest grandson who turns three next week to give her some rest time.
They live an hour away so it took some patience on my part to diligently fill the car with gas and to check the windshield washer fluid. Good thing I did as the weather was clear winter fine but every vehicle in front of me made sure my blue..well now white car ..had a good solid layer of road salt and gunk sprayed relentlessly from their rear wheels. I did catch on that if I drive far enough behind them I miss the auto shower, or that if I daringly speed ahead of them then they are blessed in turn. However that does not work when they gang up on you and throw in a big monster long hauler who has super sharing abilities.
I must admit that sometimes I do listen to wiser folk, one of whom is most often My sister Jane. Her theory is that if some fool – and that is just my particular fond label, not hers – in front, decides to travel at speed limit or less, it is meant to be as there is probably a very responsible hard working constable near by just waiting to nail your …uh lead foot.
This day I chose to listen to her advice. No gunning of the engine or risky passes to prove my membership in the Richard Petty Club, or even the mutterings casting doubt on the offenders intellect or parentage. And a mighty good decision it was. Within the first ten minutes I encountered the familiar flashing lights with three cars stopped only kilometers apart. The boys in blue must have been having an otherwise slow day, no doubt having solved every outstanding heinous crime. Lesson grasped and learned- I proceeded calmly.
Now to see the little face, belongings packed and excited the moment he saw me was the reward. Alas my intentions while seeming to be the comfort of my DIL were in fact of a more selfish nature. It was grandma time! My grandsons adore me partly because I always tell them they have the coolest grandma in the world.
So the best day began. First I had to be sure there was an extra set of clothes – learned that one after our last trip which involved us wearing most of his chocolate milk. Then a checklist confirmation for a bathing suit and his epipen (for the peanut allergy). And his fav yellow blanket in case of a needed nap or snuggle. Hugs and kisses from Mommy and we were all set.
The chatter over the next hour was amusing, confusing and a blast as much of what he has to say..and there is plenty at this age..just not all of discernible. Now he knew the itinerary: meet my sister in law and her soon to be four year old grandson at MacDonald’s at a play center. Play for a bit then off to my place where I have a large indoor pool.
G2 was a little shy at first but that did not last long. Then it was all about running, jumping, climbing, falling and it went on for a couple of hours. I could see he was tiring so I considered just taking him home and skipping the rest. But he knew his schedule and when that little voice says…not this way, not my house, Gamma’s house I redirected my point of intent.
He loves my home, the underground parking, the elevator, the buttons on the elevator, my budgies, my bed..well everything. We chased and laughed getting his trunks on – well he laughed and I chased.
The pool is large and warm and he is not shy about getting in the water. Matter of fact he quickly remembered the last time he and his brother were there when his brother taught him to jump in from the side. Jump into my waiting arms that is. So the game was on and I have no idea exactly how many hurling banshee roaring flying objects I caught but it was sufficient to finally tire him. Then it was immediately in the bath and shower..simultaneously. He retrieved a small and only slightly outdated yogurt from the fridge then it was dressing – some chasing amid gales of laughter involved and off home.
It took him less than five minutes to fall asleep. Once home it was more cuddle time with a sleepy boy then some quality time with G1 with whom I made a date for us to go out the following week.
Now that is living.
bridgesburning 