It is evening. The sun is setting earlier these days. All five of us are laying on our bed listening to Marco read The Lorax. The boys are cuddled up on either side of me. I refuse to believe that one day they will be taller than I am. Life on other planets is possible. But not that. I think I am enjoying the moment, but I may be too busy trying to figure out a way to bottle this feeling so I can uncork it a dozen years from now when all of my children are teenagers.
Later that night, an hour after we've tucked the kids into their beds I listen at the boy's door. They are murmuring to each other in soft voices, quoting from the book. "A shell of a great, great, great, great, grandfather snail," says Milo. "Do you have a super ax hacker?" asks Huck.
Milo is climbing on the back of one of the kitchen chairs. "Do you know why I'm climbing up here?" he asks.
"No. Why?"
"To drive you crazy," he says.
My grandfather is mostly deaf and hates to use the telephone. It takes adjusting for our family who communicates our every move via cell phone. "I'm just calling to let you know I'm on my way." "I'm just calling to let you know I'm halfway there." "I'm just calling to let you know I'm in the driveway."
Grandpa used to stop by our house at least once a week. He'd show up unannounced, sit down in the same chair, drink a glass of water, play with the kids and talk to us. After about 15 minutes he would always say, "Well, I've taken enough of your time." Then he'd leave. It was a special treat for the kids. Absolutely no one gives better undivided attention than Great Grandpa. And even though all three kids can talk now, so much of their communication is made up of movement, so he can often understand the kids better than he can understand anyone else.
A few weeks ago Grandpa sold his car. We're not quite sure why, especially since on our last visit to his apartment the first thing he said when we came in was, "I miss my car." I wish I could convince him that we're sorry that he can't stop by whenever he wants anymore, but that we like coming to visit him, that it's not a chore. But even if I could find the words to explain how important he is to us, he probably wouldn't be able to hear me.
When we arrive tonight Grandpa is sitting in his chair watching football and drinking a highball. His bottom teeth are on the side table next to him. The kids play for a while and then Huck walks over and picks up the teeth.
"What are these?" he asks.
Without missing a beat, Grandpa takes them from Huck's hand and puts them back in his mouth and smiles. "They're called false teeth," he says. Marco and I watch as all three kids stare at him in complete disbelief. He just laughs and laughs. And then they laugh.
What beautiful moments. :) It makes me very much look forward to having a family myself in a couple years.
You're children are so lucky to have a great-grandpa in their lives. I was fortunate enough as a child to know three of my great-grandmas and one of my great-grandpas, and I can't even begin to explain the impact that's had on my life. The wisdom they shared was priceless, and they taught me so much about patience and respect. ANYWAY... your story about your grandfather just made me get to thinking about my great-grandparents, and it made me smile. :)
Posted by: Amanda | September 25, 2007 at 06:48 AM
I've come to love your great grandpa! These moments with him are so incredibly beautiful.
And thanks, by the way. At this point in my life, looking at fertility treatments and starting to talk about what happens if we "just can't," it's nice to have a reminder of why I want kids. It's great to see someone who just loves her kids. So thanks.
Posted by: Amanda | September 25, 2007 at 07:48 AM
what a sweet, sweet story. I miss my grandpa all the time. I wish my kids had gotten to meet him. They all would have loved each other. It's lovely that you all appreciate each other. You're so lucky.
I love that your son is so up-front about driving you crazy! So funny.
Posted by: debinsf | September 25, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Megan, I'm a stalker from Screensaver days. And, we happen to share an employer (I see your name in the to: list when Arlene sends notes). I've been following jumpingmonkeys since forever but silently (like all good stalkers). Now I think it's time for me to come out of the closet and say thank you. I've never had or wanted children but I am captivated by the snippets of yours that you share. Thank you.
Posted by: susan dennis | September 25, 2007 at 04:33 PM
I love the contrast between the young and the old in your post. Your children are just starting out in this world, yet Grandpa has seen so much. They seem to be on the same page in some respects..which makes me realize how linear life can be.
Being a mom for the first time, I am sometimes taken aback at the sweetness and wisdom of my child. My daughter is so profound on so many levels, but she's only one! I can only imagine the great things she will achieve, and I hope someday she will show her grandchildren her false teeth.
You are a fabulous writer and I appreciate it :)
Posted by: Lisa | September 25, 2007 at 08:59 PM
those are moment that no one should forget. i only have one grandparent left , my mom's mom and she has been fading fast in the last year. i know my time with her is limited and i try to treasure as much of it as i can.
keep loving those little ones even when they drive you crazy on purpose!
~jenn
Posted by: jenn | September 25, 2007 at 10:13 PM
respiratory problems for a few weeks and his lungs keep filling up with fluids. He's a tough guy, a World War II vet, a fisherman, a widow for nearly twenty years, and an expert gardener like his own father
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When it's over, Huck asks, "Can we hear that again?" I turn it on again. When it's over Annabella asks, "Can we hear that again?" I turn it on again. When it's over, Milo asks, "Can we hear that again
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