A Child's Words Worth Remembering

Ian is six years old today.   I have a hard time remembering when my own Patricia, Jimmy and John were that age so I’m reveling in my grandson’s wonderful personality - smart, funny and endearing.  He’s the boy who never fails to run up and give me a hug and a kiss. The boy who remembers my sister, “Nan-a-honey” who’s “the best grandma in Heaven.” (“I hope she has friends there and I hope Jesus likes her.”)  I get co-star billing because I’m the best grandma on earth.

 When I moved from Albany three years ago - after twice-monthly trips down the Thruway - I never imagined that I would gain such joy from being nearby Ian and Maeve. Now I attend Ian’s T-ball games and Maeve’s softball games, watch them both learn to swim, go to Maeve’s piano recital, play restaurant with them, and be amazed at Ian’s dexterity with the Wii Lego Stars Wars games.

 Ian’s completing kindergarten and has started to read.  Maeve, who is seven years old, I am pleased to say, is a reader, too.  Recently she said she’d like to be a writer someday. See if you don’t agree that she’s got talent.  Recently we had a conversation about books and how it helps to go back a few pages to refresh your memory if you’ve not picked up your book in a while. Maeve thought this was a good idea because “it’s very dusty in the back of your mind.”

 I wish I’d written down all the wonderful things my three children had said way back when.  But the busyness of everyday life often gets in the way.  Now, however, Maeve and Ian have given me another chance to enjoy the words of children.