Smiles before 7am. Giggles at bath time. Toothless and broad smiles…magic! A happy four-month’s-old gift. Sweetness, innocence and unmatched joy fill each day…
We lie on the rug side by side in front of the fireplace early each morning. Pajamas in flannel. I select a few favorite children’s books to read…her eyes grow wide and excited as she experiences the colors on each heavy cardboard page. Legs kicking and arms expressive she seemingly understands as she joins me in reading the words aloud in a language uniquely hers. Brilliant…
The daily sound of the washing machine constant. The heat of the dryer keeping the laundry room warm on single digit Vermont days. Paintings on the walls askew. There is family traffic up and down the normally silent staircase. The little house on the hill is busy. Alive. My daughter’s quick confident steps have become cautious and steady as she carries her baby down the steep steps. Children’s books, teething toys, burp clothes, pacifiers and brightly colored Bombas baby socks decorate my living room ottoman. My farmers porcelain kitchen sink transformed each winter night into an infant bathtub. A washcloth just inches square does the job. Watching the baby kick and try to push off the far end of the sink I imagine her collegiate swimming races where she will one day push off the wall with mastery. Endless possibilities…
The days are busy yet relaxed. One day as similar to the last but no less special. There are no secrets in our small home. The last melodic protests of the day before wake turns to sleep seep through the floorboards. A tired mother with love and care rocks her baby to sleep just upstairs. The mother, my daughter is exceptional…
Signs of aging hands matter not as my granddaughter wraps her small precious fingers around my one. My hard-working hands feel stronger and more capable than usual as her firm hold confirms our bond. I will forever remember the many cherished moments of this visit but wonder, will she?
“A grandmother’s love is forever and always.” – Unknown
Beautiful and precious! 🥰
Thank you Cynthia…happy you enjoyed the post! xo