My grandparents were high school sweethearts...my grandfather joined the navy when he graduated and they got married a year later when my nanny finished school. They lived in a trailer on the naval base in Norfolk, VA...and had two kids in less than two years. Five more children followed in rapid succession....Today they have 22 grandchildren and 6 great grand children....
My family is very close. Growing up, we all spent summer holiday weekends at my grandparents cottage in RI. We had monthly birthday parties where three to four angel food cakes were served and six verses of Happy Birthday were sung. You have never seen as much food as we have at out Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve celebrations. Although I really love where I live and my family is only two hours away, I miss them a lot.
This weekend I went to CT with Sam and Grace for a welcome home party for my grandparents. They usually go to Florida from Christmas to Easter, but had an abbreviated trip this year because my grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer this past fall. They left earlier than usual and are back now so that he can start chemotherapy.
I stopped by their house on my way into town. They hadn't met Grace yet and I wanted to get a little alone time with them. (Our family gatherings are lots of fun, but very loud and chaotic). As I watched my grandfather hold my daughter, I saw a look on his face that I have seen often....I saw it at my college graduation and when he danced with me at my wedding...It's not a look saved for the big moments though. I've seen it often when he stands quietly at a family gathering, taking us all in. His blue eyes absolutely twinkle and he looks as though he might burst with pride and joy. It's also a look of contentment and satisfaction. It's a look that says something like, "All this started with me, and I did good..."
How incredible is must be at this point in his life to look into the eyes of a great grand baby...to know that this little soul is part of the fruit of all your hard work and sacrifice...to know that the things you taught your children were taught to their children and will be passed along yet again...to know a part of you will live on for all time...
I've been thinking a lot about that look...It's how I have, and will always think of my grandfather...watching and quietly loving us all...
My family is very close. Growing up, we all spent summer holiday weekends at my grandparents cottage in RI. We had monthly birthday parties where three to four angel food cakes were served and six verses of Happy Birthday were sung. You have never seen as much food as we have at out Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve celebrations. Although I really love where I live and my family is only two hours away, I miss them a lot.
This weekend I went to CT with Sam and Grace for a welcome home party for my grandparents. They usually go to Florida from Christmas to Easter, but had an abbreviated trip this year because my grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer this past fall. They left earlier than usual and are back now so that he can start chemotherapy.
I stopped by their house on my way into town. They hadn't met Grace yet and I wanted to get a little alone time with them. (Our family gatherings are lots of fun, but very loud and chaotic). As I watched my grandfather hold my daughter, I saw a look on his face that I have seen often....I saw it at my college graduation and when he danced with me at my wedding...It's not a look saved for the big moments though. I've seen it often when he stands quietly at a family gathering, taking us all in. His blue eyes absolutely twinkle and he looks as though he might burst with pride and joy. It's also a look of contentment and satisfaction. It's a look that says something like, "All this started with me, and I did good..."
How incredible is must be at this point in his life to look into the eyes of a great grand baby...to know that this little soul is part of the fruit of all your hard work and sacrifice...to know that the things you taught your children were taught to their children and will be passed along yet again...to know a part of you will live on for all time...
I've been thinking a lot about that look...It's how I have, and will always think of my grandfather...watching and quietly loving us all...
2 comments:
I remember you grandpa!!! HE still looks great!!!!
Your words are beautifully written. I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiments and am warmed by the vision evoked from your description. Our family is so blessed.
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