As soon as I received cell phone
service on my return from Cuba, I learned my last uncle had passed away. Two
days later I flew to Indiana for his memorial service. Both trips brought
various emotions and experiences. As I pondered what to write about each
journey, I kept putting it off. Distractions pulled me away from ideas that
swam in my head.
Then I spent the day with my
six-year-old granddaughter Molly. Her enthusiasm for life and deep thinking
gave me a break from more serious subjects. We talked, but mostly I listened.
We played, laughed and ate ice cream.
Her nonstop observations and
questions made me think and not take myself so seriously. She had planned our “Special
Time with Grandma” which was her birthday gift. Her instructions. Pick me up from church. Go to lunch. Bake
cookies for the police or firemen. Get dessert. Go swimming.
As we drove to my house, she kept me
entertained with her nonstop talking. Then the questions became more serious. “Do
animals go to heaven?” she asked.
“I don’t know. I haven’t been
there.”
“I wish we had more technology. Then
we could call Grandpa and he could tell us if there were animals up there. What
are we going to have for lunch? I want to go swimming. Can we bake? Can I
clean? Next time I have Time with Grandma, I want to have a cleaning day. I
like to clean at other people’s houses,” she continued.
After a barrage of more questions,
we ate lunch, made cookies, and took them to our local fire station. A fireman
gave us a tour of the fire engine and helped her sit in the driver’s seat. Even
though she loved seeing the truck, her motivation was to give not receive.
What a delightful, fun filled day we
had. Instead of spending money on expensive activities, she wanted to bake and serve
the firemen. She had fun with mundane chores like doing dishes and scrubbing
the shower. No matter what we did, her sweet spirit made it fun for both of us.
At six, she knew that being with someone you love is most important.
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