I Love Sunday Mornings…

Saturday night. We were rich with a worthy fatigue. Jon and I had had a full day. Vermont to Boston. Time with our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughters was the weekend destiny. A quick trip. Overnight yet not a moment would be wasted. I looked forward to being in the moment with our grands …

Our eldest granddaughter appeared at the glass door on the front porch as we arrived. A wave of love and happiness reinforced with an electric smile met us immediately. As we entered their busy and warm home our youngest granddaughter was eating in the kitchen. Our son-in-law happily greeted us while mentioning our daughter would return home shortly.

A walk to the park in total was on the agenda and planned for just after nap time. The bluebird day tipped its springtime hand. We were eager to feel the sunshine and liberating temperatures. Grands, parents, grandparents and one Brittany Spaniel went down the front stairs and onto the road. We walked and talked while shifting positions as the sidewalk dictated. Wherever one landed a conversation easily ensued. We picked up and paused at crosswalks, drives and trees that interrupted the narrow walk.

The playground perfect for our youngest family member. Easily navigated by toddlers and preschoolers. Our daughter and her youngest trotted from attraction to attraction. Joey a fast-moving target left the pressure treated wood maze for the neighboring steep hill and field. Redirected by my daughter from the treacherous incline to the playing field where a family was kicking a soccer ball seemed like a better idea. No muss no fuss just the suggestion of a safer venue…

Sitting on the park bench for what seemed like just a moment and a break from the constant motion of the day. Joey nudged me to come play. How could I resist? Taking my hand as I rose off the tan plastic recycled bench, we went. Playing on the spongy grass in boots while running down field. Scooping up my youngest granddaughter as she would run into my arms. A game we both delighted in. Her smile broad and a dimple, deep.  Steady and quickly we repeated the game yard after yard. I found the necessary reserve of energy as I too felt youthful…

Before bedtime we sat side by side on the couch for snacks and cuddles. A small foot rested on my leg. Not a crease nor a callous. I saw the genetics of Joey’s maternal great grandmother. The shape of her small foot was a sweet reminder and was gently placed near my knee.

Saturday’s flurry had simmered into a Sunday morning softness. Slowly we took on the day. Relaxed. Casual. Familiar. Homemade blueberry muffins and hot coffee consumed while in motion. Active and animated chatter. Legos, puzzles, books and baby dolls.

Both girls hitting their halfway marks. Ellie 4 and a half and Joey just beyond a year and a half. Ellie Belle was coloring at her art table. I sat beside her on a rock maple kitchen chair that was mine as a child. Our family kitchen set now building memories with this young family. Belle handed me a piece of yellow construction paper and hand-picked my drawing materials. Two crayons, a glitter marker, 3 colored pencils and I am off. Quick sketches as she artistically toiled away. We are quiet as we worked. She shifted her position often and I was tasked to draw quickly.  

Busy had halted before the new week began once again. The sounds of a family floated…

“Happiness [is] only real when shared”—Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild