Red Room Where the Writers Are

Last night I was asked to babysit my grandkids.My daughter had a meeting to go to,and I was happy to find the always wonderful place to go whether I need healing or not.  It so happened that I did last night.

AS always they come running to me,their little hands out crying" gramma,gramma".Meg had returned from a walk with them,and we ordered a pizza and french fries,which both kids decided made great "walrus teeth" .

AFter supper Pete and I got Annie ready for her bath,and she happily played in the tub with colored plastic stackable blocks.She kept up an unintelligible converstation while doing this,as I bathed her,and then sat back to watch her play.

AFter bath was story time(usually 3 books that she picks out) and tonights pick was two books about trucks.No dainty little girl is this kid,she follows her brother Will in preferring trucks over dolls.

she sat nestled in my lap,helping me turn the pages as I read(sometimes a little faster than necessary),her blonde curls tickling my neck,as we rocked and read.

She then snuggled down into her crib with her Pipe(pacifier),and after a goodnight kiss from dad and gramma settled in quietly.

Time for kid #2,Will,almost 5,needed some cajoling to wash himself,being like most little boys.AFter toothbrushing and 2 storeis read by dad,gramma played the promised game of checkers.(Dad had to make a business call) WE had to improvise,being that there was a shortage of real checkers,so we added bingo chips to cover the rest of the spaces.AT first I didn't give him any chances to win,but then,when DAd said it was time to wrap up and I could see his eyes filling up,I allowed him to keep jumping my men until he won,with a big smile on his face!

Will loves to play games.He also likes to play "hide and seek" which I turn into a real imaginary game,looking inside cabinets and toy lighthouses that he cant possibly fit into,making my voice tiny like a tiny kid hidden away in some obscure place.Soon I see the blanket on the sofa shaking with laughter,and,after ruling out all other possibilities such as laundry baskets,under chairs,in the fireplace,etc,I finally"discover" his wonderful hiding place(which is always the same) and we collapse into giggles.

I came home last night feeling lighter,more in touch with what really matters..my kids and my grandkids,and how that is a constant in my life.

The sad feelings and the angry feelings of the past month seemed to melt away,as I left that other world where pain dwells and longing is so strong I think it will pull me under sometimes.

I am grateful for the healing balm of my grandkids.They show me what is good and real in my life.And for that I am grateful.