Our Grands – 2012

Just one of those cold, lonely nights that memories crop up to take us back to a better time.   All of us have those moments.

And if you’re lucky enough to be a grandparent, then maybe you will  share your tales……………

Thinking of how blessed Byron and I have been with our six grands , and that is a story in itself.

The first was Chuck and Laura’s Isaac, followed in about six months by Muff and Dennis’s Haley Sue.  And then the good Lord said to Himself and us,  ” How about if we speed this up a little ” ?

And so it was.  Twins , John Luther and Will , born to the Toneys some 11 months after Haley Sue , and in another 10 months or so , twins , Lucy and C’Lee , blessed the Longs.

Six grands in about 28 months !!!!

What this meant to Byron and me was those special occasions when all six spent a night–or two–or more with us .  As the grands grew older , the length grew longer and the bonding tightened.

Sometimes we were at our house and sometimes we took a trip , and it was always 3 boys, 3 girls, Poppy, and Di .

The one exception was annual beach trips with all twelve family members :  Jekyll, Hilton Head , St. George , St. Simon’s  and some I may have forgotten.

But no parents allowed for these :

—–Dollywood for fun and lunch in a cafe that had no utensils.  We all ate with our fingers—–and the kids loved it.

—– the aquarium and zoo.

—– a week of Golf Camp at Emmanuel University.

—– zip-lining , swimming , bowling , board games , movies at theaters ,  snacks with no supervision , puzzles , and story-telling.  And others the grands might recall.

But there are two memories that stand out.

Every New Year’s Eve we had them visit over night.  And we had a pattern that never failed.

…..We went to Toccoa for Mexican food and bowling.

…..When we got back we had  QUIET , but pretty ,  fireworks :  Roman candles , sparklers, and the like.

…..Then we came in and played board games.

…..When midnight approached, we got out the sparkling grape juice , turned on the TV and watched the ball drop.

…..And then out came the sleeping bags.  Couches were turned into beds.  And  some of the lucky ones actually slept in the guest bedrooms !  They worked it out………

…..And the Fourth of July was a repeat—-except for the sparkling grape juice and ball .

The  last one , the  ” grand  ”  finale , was a cruise——just Byron and me and the six grands.  No parents allowed to put a damper on the party !

Isaac had just graduated, Haley Sue was a rising senior , John Luther and Will were rising juniors, and Lucy and C’Lee were leaving their 9th grade  behind .  The perfect time  and event for a farewell to some 12+ years of love and laughter……………….

There is much to remember about those days on the ship and on shore :  entertainment at all levels and for all ages , free ice cream 24 hours a day, swimming , touring , lessons , dancing , challenges , good food , elaborate decorations , and almost anything else that a guest might want.

But the one amenity that made this cruise so special for not only the grands, but for Byron and me , was the SERENITY DECK ,  the special upscale area for adults only !!!!!!  No one under 21 allowed !!!!!!!!

What an upper …………

Byron and I spent our time  (for the most part ) there  , and our grands spent their time ( for the most part ) doing whatever, wherever .

And all was well.

I can’t think of a ” grander ”  ending to a journey filled with memories of times that can never be repeated.

And to my readers :  find your own connection to your grands as they come along.

Make precious memories.

Too often it’s all we have.

(  Isaac is an ordained Presbyterian minister .  Haley Sue is a Music Therapist.  John Luther is an Attorney.  Will is a Human Resource Manager.  Lucy is a Science teacher.  C’Lee is an Academic Advisor at a university ).

 

 

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