Grandma T.

Last Friday, my littles and I made a little pitstop at my grandma T's house on our way to the Children's Museum. Why we don't stop more often, I'm not sure, as it's right on the way and we really should.

It's not that we don't see her cause we do. At my dad's or family events and sometimes she even comes here.

I have only one grandparent left and it's amazing to think that just six years ago I had four plus my great grandmother. These last several years have gone quickly and with it, my grandfathers and maternal grandmother and my great grandmother.

I've got great memories with each of my grandparents. Appleton visits with my great grandma. Ice cream and stories about Jesus with Grandpa T. My Grandpa B's RV. Sleepovers at Grandma B's and a very, scary coconut monkey head.

My grandma T is no exception and one of the things I think I notice most about her when I see her and am with her is the way she makes me feel. Probably the way most grandparents do or did (including mine that are gone) and that is to just make you feel special and loved.

When we stopped by to visit on Friday, she was ready and waiting with a smile. Open armed for hugs and kisses on the cheek. An overwhelming scent of her. However one describes their grandma's scent, she is it.

"Oh you look beautiful." She says.

Each and every time I see her. But not in the way where you question if she means it. Because she does. She wholeheartedly means it and says it.

She sees only the good in my children and I. While I sit on edge with my heart ready to explode with anxiety watching H swing his arms around as only three year old boys do around her living room chock full of breakables. And E crawling toward the end table full of glass globes.

It's like taking a bull into a china shop, visiting her.

But my grandma sits back in her chair, relaxed as ever, smiling and forgiving their movements. She doesn't think twice if H doesn't immediately thank her for the treat as I silently will him to.

She sits and tells me what a good mom I am and a good dad J is and I bask in the glory of a grandparents love.

I don't know that I grew up with a traditional grandparent relationship. We lived near one set of grandparents then moved away near another. One spent a lot of time traveling out west.

They were not all present at my birthdays and holidays and each and every special thing I ever did. And maybe they didn't need to be. Because when I think of my grandparents I think of nothing but good, great things. Of memories and laughter and silly times hearing about my parents as kids.

And I think of the way they made me feel about me.

Grandma T reading with H at brunch this past weekend.
I just love E and grandma's smiles at each other here. My dad, H, M, E and grandma.