Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Visiting my Grandfather

Neill and I are taking a break from our Chicago lives to go visit my family in New York for the rest of the week! My mom's sister is there and my grandfather, whom I call Zadie, lives with her. I can't wait to see them!

I'm particularly looking forward to seeing my grandfather. He and I have always had a special relationship and he's been like a second father to me. Growing up, I always admired his knowledge, wisdom, and kindness. He has given me so much good advice throughout the years, but there is one piece that really sticks out to me. We were in the car, driving through a toll booth. Instead of impatiently trying to get through as fast as humanly possible, my grandfather asked the worker how he was doing, exchanged a few pleasantries, and wished him a good day.  I must have commented on this because you know what he told me? It doesn't cost anything extra to be nice.

Simple. But, so true.

My grandfather is in his 90s and isn't doing too well these days. He is starting to get confused about things and we can't talk like we used to. I hate that every time I see him I worry that it will be the last time. And I hate that I wrote that, but it is the truth.

Anyways, I better end this before I start to cry.

Zadie and me in Florida

What is your relationship like with your grandparents?

7 comments:

  1. My family moved around so much when I was younger, that I didn't see extended family very often. I have three sets of grandparents, since my Mom's parents divorced and remarried when I was young. The only ones I see now are my Mom's Dad & wife, but that is because they live with my parents. One set lives out in California and doesn't talk to us much, and the other set lives in Florida and openly dislikes my mother. It kind of sucks, but it makes me happy that my kids will have grandparents around them that love them and are happy to see them (my and my husband's parents).

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your baby is so lucky to have both sets of grandparents! That's twice the spoiling!

    ReplyDelete
  3. aww so cute girl :) sadly i never got to meet my gma on my moms side, and my gpa just passed last year. so i only have one set of grandparents still alive. we're pretty close but only can see the once a year since they live on the east coast. love your pic tho hun!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, my grandparents live on the other side of the country so I miss them! I think they are wonderful people and have really influenced who I am today.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Reading this post really melted my heart. And it's true what your grandfather said: It's doesn't cost anything extra to be nice. So, so true! And most people today lack that bit.

    I wasn't lucky enough to be able to really grow up with both my grandfathers. They passed away when I was quite young. So right now I'm just making sure that I'm a good granddaughter to both my grandmoms. :)

    And you've got such a sweet blog here. What excited me most is that you're pursuing a doctoral degree in Psychology! I'm majoring in Psych, and I'm almost done - one more semester to go! :)

    I actually found you on {Where We Love} Happy Hour and I'm so glad stopped by. :) You'll be sure to see me around more often! x

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm very lucky to have gotten to know both sets of my grandparents and have traveled with them too! I even knew a few of my Great-Grandparents. I know how many of my friends don't have their grandparents around and it reminds me how blessed I am. I am definitely closer to one set of my grandparents over the other but they both mean so much to me. My dad's mother has been one of my best friends for many years and one of the defining influences of my life.

    I found you through {Where We Love} Happy Hour and am so excited to hit the follow button on your blog!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Every comment brings a smile to my face!