Seth and Ryan were anxious to get to Sherman this morning. They are about to embark on a trip to Twin Lakes, Colorado with Mema & Papa (my parents) for two weeks. Two weeks! I’m dancing going to miss them!
What I love about the cabin in Colorado is the fact that they can’t get internet, they don’t play on any game systems (excluding maybe a game on a computer or phone) and there is so much for them to do. This summer they are going to finish building a tree house that they started last summer with their cousin, Sarah, who is also going along.
I’m envious of the memories they will make without Neal and I but I also know that these moments with grandparents are a blessing that not many grandchildren get to receive. I still cherish the times I came to stay with Sweetgraw and Papa before we actually lived in the same town with them. It is a different visit all together when you actually ‘stay’ with them.
Maybe Seth will realize that my ‘over-protectiveness’ is normal. 😉 After an argument we had in regards to him wanting to see a particular Rated ‘R’ movie (he is 12…of course he isn’t going to see this movie!) that I ‘poo poo’d’ not only due to the ‘R’ rating but the crude humor that even the trailer portrayed, I was made out to be the most over protective, strict mother in the world. Well, Seth, welcome to two weeks with Tim & Judy McGraw…the ones who raised me. Let’s see if the attitude goes over well with them. 😉
Of course, I mention this to an old friend I had the blessing of seeing at dinner who’s mother was also at the table and she kindly reminded me that grandparents are softer. Well, maybe that’s a blessing for Seth! 😉 But he still won’t see that ‘R’ movie!
Speaking of seeing old friends, I love to go into Sherman and see people I haven’t seen in years. John and Cindy are just one example.
John and I were in Catholic school together for 4th and 5th grade and then we all had to go to public for middle school and high school. John and I were consistently paired up because our last names were next to one another in the alphabetic line up and as we had ceremonies and graduated we were always sitting next to one another. But that’s not the only reason why we were friends, he is the epitome of a GOOD MAN. All heart and soul. And then he married a woman just like him. I love this couple and it was a blessing to see them.
Before the night was over I made a trip to visit with my cousin (also who happens to be my Godmother) Karen. I got double the blessing when I got to spend time with Kaeden, her grandson who is my Godson’s child. You follow? 😉
I’m a family person and it is moments like today that I get homesick. Karen and I got caught up on my life, hers, and as much as we knew about the rest of our gigantic family. It was her dear father we laid to rest a few weeks ago and I was so happy to hear my aunt was with her other daughter and grandchildren tubing and dancing at the lake!
I’ll admit, I’m a bit melancholy right now. Missing the big dysfunctional family gatherings. Wishing I could go back in time and appreciate every Christmas and July 4th family reunion with a new found respect. Taking in and savoring memories and moments with those I know won’t be around much longer and maybe even saying a few words to those that eventually took an undesirable detour on their path.
Such is life especially with a large family. The dynasty fades and as the ‘monarchs’ pass away the dynamic of family changes with time, remade by the deformation of culture and society.
I know my kids are making their own memories, taking in family as it embraces them. I’m going to miss them but I know the experience they’ll have without their over-protective mother around will be one cherished.
Now what will I do with my time?
….Write! 😀
Blessings
Shannon