Granny is staying with me and the family this weekend. My dad went to Ohio to take care of some business, and I invited mom to stay with me. I love this woman!
My mom has always been great. I may be the only child in America who has no complaints about her mother. She was a stay at home when we were really small, and did the little things that make childhood great: loved us, fed us, kept us safe, listened to us, played with us, took us places and generally paid attention. When we went to school, she got a job at the school library so she could have the same schedule. Band concerts, track, soccer games, swim meets, fundraisers, conferences. Mom was watchful, but not controlling. Permissive but cautious. College visits, dorm shopping, slipping fifties in our pockets on the way out the door. Mounds of laundry. Fevers. Pox. Conferences.
My mother did it ALL.
She often tells me “you pay for your raising when you have your own.” The first time she said that, I didn’t really understand. I’ve come to know that every time my girls get sick, I’m paying for my mother being there for me. Every time I do for them, it’s because she did it for me. mom’s not been one to give much advice. She listens and answers questions I ask, but never says, “you need to,” or “you ought to.” It’s a good thing.
Which brings me to the Granny in the basement. She’s sleeping downstairs in the guest suite. (It’s not the Ritz, but it has some extra heat.) I know that my girls are wearing her out a bit this week. But I am so happy to have this time with my mom, and Eleanor especially is happy to have her Granny near her. My mom is great.
Eleanor is up now, and I have some more of my raising to pay off. I’m super glad my mom is here to collect the interest.
Wow, three generations of ladies in a household, and each loving the other. May there be more families like yours.