Homebodies - The perfect long weekend
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- Published on Sunday, September 13, 2015
By Rita Friesen
It was the perfect long weekend. It was not spent at a lake, or at a resort or a campground. I stayed at home!
A granddaughter brought her baby to meet great-grandma. He is a lovely six weeks old, smiling and cooing. We went for walks, played games and chatted. Other grandchildren spent time with us as well. I sat at the table surrounded by some of the finest young people around. The one from away wanted roll kuchen. We had not planned ahead and on Monday it was almost impossible to find a watermelon, the main dish for roll kuchen. No worries, we dined on the old favourite, thoroughly dipped in heavy syrup. And it was good.
It was wonderful to have the home filled with love and laughter and the smell and sound of a baby. There is something so distinct about that new baby scent. Warmth and cleanliness, trust and love all wrapped up in one wee body. We shared. We took turns holding. I passed on diaper duty. But one evening when he took a crying spell, I didn’t flinch or back down. I cuddled and crooned and walked and whispered. I wondered at the wonder of a parents love, a grandparents love. I remembered anew the frustration of not speaking ‘baby’. What does that cry mean? What does he need?
The home was filled with life, and life forms. Total animal count was four dogs and two cats. That’s a lot of movement. There were minor skirmishes for attention but nothing serious. The little dog accompanying my great grandson was torn. Am I in the room with the baby? Do I stick close to my mistress? I dare you big dogs to get near my family. ‘Stanley’ may be no more than a pocket full but he is loyal and protective. He is also extremely well behaved and great company. Makes my two dogs look like buffoons, but loveable and loyal buffoons!
Time together with the grandkids always involves games. The gentleman among us ensures that the old Nintendo system is connected and ready. I am the clear winner most of the time. Have achieved the highest family level at Tetris and Dr. Mario. Those were great games! We don’t want to calculate the number of hours I have spent honing that skill. Now I sit in solitude, at my computer, playing Candy Crush. It is more fun having a live opponent.
The weekend contained all the elements of a successful family gathering. Family that are friends, favourite food, time spent recalling escapades past, and making new memories. One topic that arose was, of course, my age. I assured them that spending time with young people helps keep me young. Only concern? By them adding to my years, am I robbing them of theirs? That will keep them awake worrying!
