Monday, November 26, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving Time


She’s happy the cease-fire in the Gaza Strip is still holding.  (“Dear God, may the peace between Israel and Palestine continue, continue, continue.”)

Having the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving in her home thrilled her, though not so much while it was happening. She worried because she wanted everyone to be as happy as she was.  Were they?  Did she seem too serious?  Did her demeanor belie her joy? 

She was fearful she didn’t appear loose and relaxed at the dinner table. 

Actually, she wasn’t – internally.  Why?  Because she craved hearing everything about each of her grandchildren.  And, she didn’t want to ‘mess-up’ by bugging them with questions

There were many questions floating between her head and her heart - conjured up - that could spill out of her mouth and put a damper on the flow of conversation. 

Then she got it.  She wouldn’t interview – just listen and follow up with a comment or two. 

It worked.  It was a delightful, informative, sharing of college experiences from three generations, their Mom, them, and the grandmother.  “You were locked in the dorm at night?!?!”  

They’ve gone, returned to the independence of their college life away from home.  The grandmother is very proud of her granddaughter and her grandson.  Still she wants to worry about them, their challenges, and their choices.

However, this morning she smiled; loving the happy memory of Thanksgiving Day with her family. 

2 comments:

  1. The grandmother wanted only her holiday angst documented. I understand. Grandmothers feel so involved; hold such love and interest in their adult children and their children but . . .

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