almost normal

Today, for the first time in almost a year, I felt almost normal. 

Today, I babysat Madeline and Oliver.  Maddie had a birthday party to go to at Splitz Bowling Alley in Gainesville.  Well, of course, Oliver insisted on going as well, so I took them both.  Of course, I had no clue what I was supposed to do with Oliver; but it worked out fine.

Oliver and I bought $5.00 worth of tokens.  He and I played games and won tickets.  We had lunch.  Then we went back to the birthday party in time for cake.

It has been so long since I have babysat my grandchildren.  I've missed it so much; but today felt almost normal.  I learned a lot today about my grandchildren.

Today, after the birthday party at Splitz we went to Shands Rehabilation Hospital to visit Truett. After I parked the car, Oliver asked, "Nana.  Why are there blue and white lines in the parking lot?"

I said, "Because, handicapped people get to park here, Oliver."

Then Maddie said, "Nana.  I guessed that.  That was an inference."

(I have to tell you that I didn't even know what the word Inference meant until I had to teach it several years ago!  So I was impressed with a seven year old knowing the meaning of the word!)

Do you people realize what an eight year old means when she says that?  I do.  It means she is getting well prepared for the FCAT tests here in Florida.

"Well, aren't you smart!" I said to Madeline; and she gave me a great big smile.

So, Madeline and Oliver and I visited Truett for an hour.  I bought the children M&M's and Skittles, which they shared with Grandaddy.  Then Truett blew spitballs at them through a straw; and they blew them back at him.  (God!  I miss the twinkle in his eyes.  But, I know it's the medications he's on.)

In the meantime, Madeline and Oliver put on a puppet show over the hedges at Rehab.  I loved every minute of it.  "This feels like normal," I thought.

I cannot tell you how much I have missed my grandchildren.  I cannot tell you how much I have missed seeing my grandchildren every weekend.

Today seemed almost normal.

Today my grandchildren pretended to be chefs as they altered their voices to sound like Julia Childs and asked, "Nana.  Would you like blueberry pancakes or pound cake?"

Of course, being the mother of The Merry Gourmet, I played along with Chef Oliver and Madeline!

Today seemed almost normal and I am grateful for the opportunity to have kept my grandchildren for a day!

Comments

[merry jennifer]

And we were so grateful that you were able. They have missed you so much! (we have too!)