As I (attempt to) write this blog, my house is a veritable hive of activity. I say “attempt to” because I've been interrupted no less than 49 times since launching this (what seems like) quite futile endeavor.
What gives? My kids are leaving on a vacation with my parents, and I've been rushing around the house like a madwoman to help ensure their sendoff is as snafu-free as possible. Naturally, they're all keyed up and ready to roll, which puts a bit of a fly in the ointment, as trying to write amid the chaos is more than a bit challenging. (I apologize in advance for my staccato-esque writing … thoughts don't flow so well when an emergency flip-flop-finding mission is in full swing.)
But when all's said and done, the temporary insanity will be worth it: The kids will have the time of their life (they're headed to the beach) and get to enjoy some well-deserved R&R while I stay behind to hold down the fort and, much to my editor's delight, dive into some assignments for our next issue.
My kids are lucky to have such good grandparents, who enjoy spending time with them and providing them opportunities to see and do all sorts of fun stuff. And I'm lucky to have parents who delight in their grandchildren and (quite willingly) sacrifice their time (and their budgets) for them on a regular basis. I can't begin to express how thankful I am for everything they do for us.
I remember back when I was a kid, I'd often spend a big chunk of the summer with my grandmother, whom I affectionately referred to as “Nana.” Although, looking back, many of the things we did together were pretty mundane — going to the bank, shopping for groceries, playing dress-up (I donned the crazy get-ups; she chuckled at my fashion sense … or lack thereof) — to me, they were always dreamy. One of my best memories: breakfast. Nana always prepped me milk, orange juice and buttered toast because I always requested it. (I'm a creature of habit … what can I say?) I have no idea what that woman did to make simple toasted bread taste so good, but it was absolutely exquisite … and a memory I cherish to this day.
For all you grandmas and grandpas out there who play an active role in your grandchildren's lives like my grandma did for me and my parents do for my kids — kudos! We truly couldn't do it without you.
