Gathering Intel

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged…” – Proverbs 17:6

The silence after the grandchildren leave is so loud.

It’s true…you really do forget the mothering years until you are reminded again with the constant chatter of THEIR children in your house.

When comes the burst of sunshine through your doors in the form of three healthy, happy humans, one immediately jumps up and ‘becomes’, once again, a nurturer, a teacher, a co-conspirator in all things fun.

The sudden adrenalin and unexpected energy of grandmothering is such a pleasant gift mid-winter!

Days of being tired and counting aches and pains and long quiet hours fade quickly away as one walks and skips with children. Picking flowers and looking at bugs takes precedence over that book or journal or sewing project.

You are gathering intel and stocking up on imagination as you hang with inquisitive and worthy young scientists in-the-making. Trails through the woods become anything but overgrown messes. Now they are jungles and forbidden hide aways or secret paths to new horizons.

Long conversations about religious doctrine with a nine-year old are food for thought. Discussions about blue LED inventions become catalogued information for later study. Braiding hair and considering names for dolls or the qualities of a good Bestie leave warm sensations all wrapped around your heart.

Nothing with these rare visitors is ordinary.

Then…just as quickly as this reverie has become a part of your normal, it is done. They pile in the car with all their exuberance and giant hugs goodbye and drive off down the road.

Mimi and Papa look at each other and smile. It is rich gratefulness for the years sown into their father, who so lovingly, shares them with us for these sweet moments.

Yes…we have gathered intel… for the next time. Our lives are enriched. We are blessed.

Thirtieth Day of Writing Challenge