Family Gardens

My maternal grandparents arrived in town today. My sister eloped a few months ago & next weekend, she & her husband are having a sort of reception/ party to celebrate with family & friends. So, Gramma & Grampa hopped in their mini van & headed for VegasLand...with their dog, Suki, in tow, of course.

There is something about the arrival of Gramma & Grampa that still excites me as an adult. I remember being so unbelievably excited when I was a kid, knowing they were coming for a visit. I knew this meant there would be an adult around who I felt would actually listen to me. I knew it meant Juicy Fruit in Gramma's purse. I knew this meant ice cream late at night because after all, Gramma is my Mom's Mom, which means she is the boss & the boss says ice cream is allowed at 10:30 at night. I knew it meant long talks with Grampa about how I am nervous for third grade because you have to know multiplication in third grade & I knew it meant Grampa would reassure me in a way only Grampas could; that I would survive third grade & I would actually probably survive multiplication. ( Note: I barely survived. Barely. To this day, math & I...we don't have a friendly relationship. )

At 25 years old, I still anticipate Gramma & Grampa's arrival with the same excitedness I did when I was five. Luckily, I have Collin to distract me as the hours tick by. Unluckily, he has a nap time. Luckily, I have a love for photography & my Mom is planting new flowers in her garden.

Then, they arrive. And with them, they attract family. Laughter. Hugs. Love. Smiles. Suki. And most importantly, Juicy Fruit.

Oh, & did I mention Grampa turned 75? Can you imagine 75 birthdays? The things he has seen. The people he has met? The babies he has held? The women he has kissed? The children he has raised? I hope my 75th birthday is filled with as much love & admiration as I felt on this day.

How about giving me a vote in honor of Grampa's 75th birthday???