Bottle it

I sat in gridlock traffic after working extra-long hours.  I was tired.  The night was cold and dark.  I needed a perk – something that made me smile and energized me.  I pulled off the freeway and you guessed it – headed to see the grandkids.

I pulled into the GAP’s driveway.  In the darkness, I ran to her front door.  I knocked and tried the door, but it was locked.  Little footsteps could be heard coming closer.  “It’s Grandma,” I announced. 

The door swung open, and the Worm said excitedly, “Are we having a sleepover?”  The Mouse heard me and squealed, pushing his highchair tray away trying to get down. 

“No,” her Mom, the GAP, interjected, “you’ve got school tomorrow.”

“Ah,” the Worm sighed.  I picked her up and jiggled her from side to side.  Her feet dangled, almost touching the floor.

“What’d you come for?” asked the Bug, who entered the living room.

“I just wanted to see you guys.”  He smiled big and gave me a hug.  His arms wrapped around me above my waist.  The Mouse, who had escaped his highchair, ran to me and shoved against his older brother and sister with his hands to scoot them out of the way.  Soon he found a vacant spot and hugged me, too.  His arms came around my thighs. 

I tried to shift slightly.  The four of us moved in a huddle. 

A smile returned to my face.  On my way home, the night air seemed warmer.  The few stars in the sky shown brighter.  Life is better.  Now I know what my mom meant when she said she wished she could bottle the energy, love, and fun children possess.  They pass it on without any effort or thought of “what’s in in for me.”

At this special Thanksgiving time when we are more aware of our blessings, I am going to make a conscious effort to make others feel the way my grandchildren make me feel.

Related posts:

1. The gaps in my life
2. The magic of youth
3. Halloween on a budget
4. Leave them alone
5. Everything you ever wanted to be