A gift

I was given a wonderful gift last week - an entire day with three of my grandchildren, all to myself. I was in heaven.

These three live in Pennsylvania so I don't see them as often as I'd like. I rarely get to see them in school programs or church choirs, and I miss that. I know I'm fortunate to have that with my other grandchildren and perhaps, in a way, I think that makes me even more aware of what it is I'm missing.

I don't think I've ever had the three of them all to myself for an extended period. They're old enough to be pretty self-sufficient, the oldest almost ten and the youngest, five. They can get themselves into car seats and for the most part dress themselves and brush their own hair. So there's little effort involved in taking care of them - they mostly take care of themselves. There are no babies left in that family. So we were able to climb into the big minivan and take off while their parents were otherwise engaged. We drove to Sag Harbor and shopped at the 5 & 10, which is a great store for all ages, and they loved it. Each of them had some money I'd given them to spend so they perused the toy aisles and took their time deciding what to buy. From there we stopped at a couple places I needed to for my errands, and then we went to lunch in Amagansett. We had plenty of quality time to talk about things like manners ("Why am I supposed to put my napkin in my lap?") and my experiences as a child myself ("Did you know I went to camp when I was your age?"), and of course to discuss food and all their likes and dislikes. This (having lunch out) is something I would have loved to do with my own kids when they were small but our budget would never have allowed it! (This is one of the best things about being a grandparent!)

When we got home I pulled out an old classic movie and we happily watched "Meet Me in St. Louis" with Judy Garland. When my granddaughter said what a beautiful voice the girl in the movie had I was thrilled. And when I explained to them that she was the same person who played Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz", only all grown up,  their eyes glowed with the revelation.

It was a day made in heaven for a grandmother. I hope I get another one like it some day.