Loading...The Uber Grandmother.
Posted by Laura Black in Authenticity and Family
Wednesday, September 22nd at 5:43 pm (Permalink)
Since my granddaughters birth, I have fantasized sharing my love of the beach with her. As she was almost 3 years old, it was our time.
Finally perfecting the fine art of carrying her on one hip while simultaneously dragging assorted buckets, shovels, water bottles, and lotions, we were ready for our journey. It was a brutally hot day marked by high humidity and a raging sun. I patiently explained to her that we would set up our belongings as close to the water as possible so as to take advantage of the breeze.
My first encounter with her reality, “No!” she commanded. “I don’t want to be close to the water. Let’s stay right here!” Wanting to make this experience positive and memorable, I gave in and we set roots in the blazing sun, the water a distant marker.
Our chairs set and our toys spread out, at last we were ready to settle in and experience the surroundings. “Let’s look for sea shells!” I suggested. Unfortunately, in our immediate vicinity, only small broken pieces were to be found. “I know,” I tried again, mustering as much enthusiasm as possible, “let’s build sand castles!” She agreed. The first obstacle was getting some water in the plastic castle shaped bucket. She refused to accompany me to the sea. Afraid to leave her alone, I walked backwards, my eyes never leaving her, as I quickly filled the bucket with water.
Back to our spot, I added the sand. Carefully, I tipped it upside down and told her to count to five and a castle would appear! She followed my instructions and we both held our breath, as I gingerly lifted the plastic castle. It crumbled.
Enter the uber grandmother. She must have been watching us for quite a while, most likely trying to hide her laughter. No longer able to contain herself, she approached our space. Holding a magnificent sea shell as an appropriate bribe, she began, “Do you want to see this beautiful shell?” It worked. Before I knew it, my precious cherub, had moved to the uber grandmother’s blanket, mesmerized by her extensive collection of unbroken shells.
But, that wasn’t enough. Before I could register what was happening, the uber grandmother began building not just a sand castle, but a town. “Bubbie, come here with us!” at least there was some loyalty. Reluctantly, I moved my chair and relinquished control to the uber grandmother.
I love your comments! Please send them to: Laura@realwomenwin.com.
Finally perfecting the fine art of carrying her on one hip while simultaneously dragging assorted buckets, shovels, water bottles, and lotions, we were ready for our journey. It was a brutally hot day marked by high humidity and a raging sun. I patiently explained to her that we would set up our belongings as close to the water as possible so as to take advantage of the breeze.
My first encounter with her reality, “No!” she commanded. “I don’t want to be close to the water. Let’s stay right here!” Wanting to make this experience positive and memorable, I gave in and we set roots in the blazing sun, the water a distant marker.
Our chairs set and our toys spread out, at last we were ready to settle in and experience the surroundings. “Let’s look for sea shells!” I suggested. Unfortunately, in our immediate vicinity, only small broken pieces were to be found. “I know,” I tried again, mustering as much enthusiasm as possible, “let’s build sand castles!” She agreed. The first obstacle was getting some water in the plastic castle shaped bucket. She refused to accompany me to the sea. Afraid to leave her alone, I walked backwards, my eyes never leaving her, as I quickly filled the bucket with water.
Back to our spot, I added the sand. Carefully, I tipped it upside down and told her to count to five and a castle would appear! She followed my instructions and we both held our breath, as I gingerly lifted the plastic castle. It crumbled.
Enter the uber grandmother. She must have been watching us for quite a while, most likely trying to hide her laughter. No longer able to contain herself, she approached our space. Holding a magnificent sea shell as an appropriate bribe, she began, “Do you want to see this beautiful shell?” It worked. Before I knew it, my precious cherub, had moved to the uber grandmother’s blanket, mesmerized by her extensive collection of unbroken shells.
But, that wasn’t enough. Before I could register what was happening, the uber grandmother began building not just a sand castle, but a town. “Bubbie, come here with us!” at least there was some loyalty. Reluctantly, I moved my chair and relinquished control to the uber grandmother.
I love your comments! Please send them to: Laura@realwomenwin.com.