The force of Grandma

Grandma came to town. She was here for one week, seven exquisite days. The girls reveled in each moment, falling asleep even as they murmured, "Grandma will be here in the morning?" and then stampeding from their room to ours to ask, but not wait for an answer, if they could go crawl into bed with Grandma. It was exhausting and exhilarating. I watched her looking at the girls, many moments slipping so deep into an emotion that she seemed suspended in future reminiscences or tucked into memories of other little girls and a time when the girls cried, "Mom" to her. Another taste of the startlingly piercing blend of joy and sorrow that is parenting. And daughtering.

I love you, mom.

I've just spent time on her blog and I fear I may not recover. The stories that are shared there seep into my soul, coloring every part of me with gratitude for the health of my three girls and sending my spirit soaring with pride in the work that she helps make possible.

Between what I saw, what I read and now the pictures that I have to fuel my own reminiscing, I am simply over capacity and feel as if it will take a good long cry to get me back on track.

Here's a glimpse of our week with Grandma*











*All photo and memory credits go to Grandma. Mom.