94 and a quarter

Grandma and Grandad on their anniversary

My grandmother would always say that she would live until she was 94 and a quarter.  When my mom casually mentioned that my uncle was considering throwing a party next year because Grandma would have been 94 and a quarter, it sucked the air out of the room and it took everything to not cry. Grandma was special. She was a funny little woman who loved her many grandchildren. She had a unique ability to connect with children and what seemed like unlimited patience. I adored her. Time stood still when you were around her, she listened, genuinely interested in every banal thing a young kid  has to say. 

My sister, brother and I were fortunate to know our grandparents as young people, they were vibrant, kind and wanted to be in our lives. We saw them often, not the occasional visit where we felt we had to dress up and behave. We could be who we were and Grandma and Granddad reveled in it. They retired to an old school house in Port Elgin and many a summer, Thanksgiving and Christmas were spent there. It was awesome. They were awesome. 

My children will have a similar experience. Ian and I had occasion to move 'home' when our two older children were very young. My mom graciously stepped in to help with the after school care, picking them up from school and then dropping them off at home for me. What began as an obligation, turned into a beautiful friendship that I know they all treasure. Now, it is rarely a quick hand-off at the door, often it is a trip to Grandma's to have some nuggets and see the variety of dogs she has (another story for another day) or it is a trip to Tim Hortons. I have watched this relationship unfold, knowing full well the magic that is being created through benign interactions almost daily. The kids will know their grandparents as people, grandparents who will teach them things, spend time with them. They are lucky. I know.