My grands are on the move! The three month old is close to rolling over but that doesn’t stop her from being mobile. She turns herself in complete circles by kicking her legs and last week she opened the DVD player with her feet. The thirteen month old is walking more confidently and becoming more …
In His Steps
My grandson, Thomas, is just beginning to walk independently. He confidently lets go and cruises the room or the yard until he looses his balance, encounters an obstacle, or realizes his momma or daddy are too far away. He plunks down on his bottom and crawls until he reaches a familiar pair of legs. He …
Self Perfected
I’ve only been a grandmother for a little over a year, but I adore my grandchildren! Infants and toddlers are the most precious among us but they are also the epitome of self-centeredness. Their complete dependence on someone besides themselves for care also makes them the most vulnerable. As our children grow, our goal as …
Tolerance for Truth
Fall is officially here and leaves are falling faster than gas prices, but thankfully they’re both coming down. Definitely my favorite season as my closet will attest, but I had one of those unwelcome realizations this morning. I reorganize my closet when the days seem hottest every year, pulling sleeveless dresses and tops to the …
You Owe Me
It gives me pleasure to serve and give to my children and grandchildren. The simple joy I receive is payment enough, but I receive their gratitude and a share of their time as well. Balancing the scales or creating a sense of obligation never crosses my mind. In fact, if anything, we each seek to …
Respectfully
Yes sir and yes ma’am are a matter of manners in the south. Yes or no without the sir or ma’am just feels wrong to me. In my fifties, I address people of all ages likewise. One of the most difficult parts of adulting for me was to address someone who was my elder or …
Not What I Want
I experience claustrophobia in moving crowds, more particularly behind moving crowds. When the way ahead is clear, I breathe easier. When my way is blocked by a wall of humanity, even though we are all moving in the same direction, I hold my breath and make a dash for the nearest opening. Shopping malls have …
Lead By Example
I’ve been the mother in the grocery store with the screaming baby, just trying to finish and get home with a shred of dignity, or is it sanity?I’ve since seen mothers in the store with little ones who are past the point of no return and I wonder at the varied responses I see to …
Out With The Old
Thomas and I crossed the restaurant to speak to a group of ladies, friends I hadn’t seen in several years. He clung to me bashfully, face against my shoulder, until one of the others used her experienced grandmother voice to draw him out. After that, he was all smiles and we all laughed at the …
Peace Be Still
I slept through Hurricane Hugo on the couch in my parents’ living room under an open window. A tree fell, missing my car by inches. The wind left our yard strewn with downed limbs and debris but I was completely unaware until morning. To this day, I love a storm. I’m grateful for shelter, of …
A Fitting Reply 