It is such a joy to have someone who wishes to sit with you on a sofa and listen to a watch tick. Penelope Fitzgerald
When I first saw this quote on Nan’s blog, Letters from a Hill Farm, I knew I would eventually pirate it to the pages of the Cutoff. Fitzgerald’s quote speaks volumes about the sweet moments of being with children. It is the simple, quiet (or not so) moments that are endearing and that keep us company in the off hours when they are not with us.
As I’m nearing my time to leave for home, the tender moments of being with Kezzie and Ezra are all the sweeter, as is my time with their Daddy and Mommy. I will soon get in my car, packed with my belongings, and a few of theirs; their sweet child smells and their soft padded tread, as well as enough loud and enthusiastic sounds that could fill a sports arena. I will pack their endless questions and propositions. “One more time, Yia Yia.” The whys and whens, and the inevitable poopies, Yia Yia” ). In will go the yogurt smudged sweater and the slightly bent emery board.
Gone is my little notepad, now Kezzie’s Journal. Can you imagine that? A kindred spirit if ever there was one. Her first entry is a picture and a fine one at that.
As I mosey down the long road toward home, I’ll wonder if Ezra will finally call me Yia Yia instead of Jenny – once I close the door – and if Kezzie will still feel our cuddle times when I’m no longer there and I will hold the gentle bliss that comes from listening to a watch click.
There really is nothing like it and nothing as wonderful. Kezzie’s first Journal! A special bond forever. I just love that.
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It was actually her idea to call it a journal, Sallie. Warmed my heart, for sure. Thank you. 🙂
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The pleasures of this visit will continue to warm your heart and banish any winter blahs that may come your way. It finally happened. I have Yia Yia Envy! Oh how do you stop the tears as you pull out of the driveway?
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It surely will, Marilyn. It is hard to pull away, but, as I always say, it is what it is. I wish it wasn’t an 8 hour trek, but, it could be across the country or in a far away country. Just wish they were close enough for me to bring over a pot of chicken soup or pick her up at school. Sigh.
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As I read this I realize how lucky I am to have my grandchildren so close! My heart breaks for you, knowing the distance you have to travel just to get a hug!
You are making memories for both you and those beautiful grandchildren!!!
YOU are a very special Yia Yia!!!
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As I mentioned above to Marilyn, it is what it is, and I’m grateful they aren’t further than they are.
Thank you, Roz. I love being a Yia Yia. 🙂
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It is so hard to say goodbye after such a sweet time. I appreciate my closeness. I love that Kezzie is such a kindred spirit and that Ezra is such a little boy. All of those moments in time are so precious. I love that mine are closer than they used to be and certainly understand the difficult return trip, but it is always nice to return home. It gives you time for remembering…
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It is, Janet, but, I’m so fortunate that I see them as much as I do and that they always have open arms for me. It is so much fun to see your little (and not so little) ones and have them closer to you. It is so much fun being a grandparent, no matter where they live. 🙂
The quote came to mind the other day as Kezzie and I were listening to the clock ticking. That headband was first on Kez’s head, then I put in on one of her stuffed animals, then she put it on the clock, and . . .
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I got a little tear reading this, Penny. I think it was the photos at the end! What wonderful sweet moments, and they must indeed miss you when you leave. I know that you absolutely delight in those two and that’s such a gift going both ways! So you are not longer “Papa” but now “Jenny!” That is just too cute! I am sure you took a lot of photos, so I know I would enjoy hearing more about these darling little ones. I’m so glad that with such harsh weather you were still able to make the drive, and get home. I’m sure someone at the Cutoff was glad to see you! 🙂
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Ha! You remembered the last time, when I was Papa. 🙂 We’ve been chuckling because the way he says Jenny is reminiscent of Forrest Gump. I did, indeed, take a lot of photos – but most of them are a study in motion. 🙂 We had loads of fun using Photo Booth with some pretty silly pictures. Someone was, Debra, and had flowers waiting for me – joy supreme. Thank you.
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Penny, what a wonderful time you describe. Those children must watch and wait for your car to come into the driveway, and chatter about you more and more after you leave. How delightful that Kezzie has her first journal! Your influence is imprinted in these little lives already. Such joy.
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Thank you, Juliet. They are a delight. Ezra is talking up a storm now, with his own unique phrases as are common in 2 year olds, and Kezzie, what can I say? She came up with the idea of doing a journal all on her own. Joy. Exactly. 🙂 It is Valentine’s Day now here, so, I will wish you a happy one, even if it has now past there.
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Precious moments! Love Kezzie’s journal, and Ezra’s sweet innocence.
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They are, indeed, Jennifer; and Ezra kept calling Jenny. You certainly made an impression on him. 🙂
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This is such a loving, and slightly sad, post Jenny. 🙂 I know just how you feel having to leave, or when they leave you! Well, I guess not “just” how you feel because leaving the grandchildren is probably very different from leaving the children because they aren’t as easily communicated with from afar and they probably change between every visit! By the way, Kezzie is a very patient artist to color all that sky and grass all the way to the edges of the paper!
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Both leaving children and grandchildren are equally sad, as I’m missing Katy and her Tom as well, but, it is the time in between we miss with grands and they do change so much at these ages. I’m always amazed, Janet, that they willingly come to me, and their other grandparents as well, having not seen us in a long while. Good parenting on their parents’ part. At any rate, it was so fun being with them.
Kezzie was working very determinedly at her picture. She said you can’t see the boy’s feet because he is coming up a hill. Perspective. Already? 🙂
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