"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."
My parents, who have been in Portland for 2 months, left for home yesterday. They are back in Illinois reconnecting with the other grandkids and sorting through lots and lots of mail. I miss them already. We all miss them. Gram was extra sensitive and a bit fussy yesterday. He wanted to be held a lot and wanted us by him while he played. I interpret that as missing Meme and Papa. He doesn't understand quite yet what the goings and comings of people mean. But he knows Meme and Papa. And he LOVES them.
It was so fun over the last 2 months to see Gram's relationship with my parents grow and evolve. At first, when they would arrive at the house he would continue to play or would crawl over to me, still unsure of what was going on. By the end of their trip, the minute they walked in the door he was crawling over to them, lifting up his little arms wanting to be held. He was not only reaching out to be held by Meme, but also Papa! One of the sweetest things I've ever seen was my son wanting to cuddle up with my dad...priceless.
And what an amazing feeling to see my parents absolutely delight in my child. There really is nothing like seeing someone love and delight in and cherish your little one. It warms my heart, it fills my soul, it reminds me that no matter what happens in life, I know Gram will be taken care of - all of his needs will be met, he will be provided for and he will be loved, that's all a girl could ask for.
Someone said to me upon seeing Gram and I for the first time in months that she could tell from his countenance that he was content and felt safe and was at peace. Yes!!! I can attribute some of that to having grandparents that love him. Being able to interact with older people who he can trust, people that he doesn't get to see on a regular basis, is so formative for my son. He is learning that out of sight isn't out of mind or out of love. That just because someone leaves doesn't mean they won't come back. That there really is no distance that's too far for love. Such a great lesson at such a young age.
We miss you Meme and Papa!!
Kelly - This brought tears to my eyes. I don't know how your parents will read this without loosing it. What a wonderful gift - to have your parents there for such a long time. I believe I take it for granted, too often, that we have both of our parents here with us all the time. Thanks for sharing.
Gram, MEME & PAPA will be back!!! We wouldn't of changed these last 2months for anything!!!! We will continue to have our special times together. You said it best - in a true relationship - there really is no distance that's too far for love. Such a great lesson at such a young and OLD age. We love seeing you and Dustin as great parents to Gram and know the sacrifices you will make for him so that his needs are met, he will be provided for etc....what more could a parent ask.. and see generation after generation continue in LOVE!!!