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Gray Matter
Congratulations: Grandbaby Story Winner!
Grandmother Priscilla J. Rowlen is from the “Old School” of self-reliance; so this Grandma was ready when she picked up the ringing telephone. She heard the sweet voice of grandson Patrick, age 8.
“You know what, Grandma?” Patrick asked, then continued: “Emily is supposed to ‘baby sit’ me today,” he said, referring to his big sister, age 11.
“But, Grandma…Emily is still asleep!”
Grandma Rowlen responds immediately: “Well, Patrick, you’re a big boy, almost 9 years old. So, let me ask: have you made your bed? Have you picked up all your clothes? And, you’ve brushed your teeth, correct?
A long pause ensues. Next, the child’s voice is heard: “Grandma, I have to hang up now. I’m not supposed to talk to strangers!”
Click! We hear then the telltale sound of a telephone returning to its cradle. Here, as well, we write “finis” to this short, well-intentioned lesson on childhood self-reliance.
However, congratulations go out to Grandma Rowlen, of San Diego, CA, who continues to receive regular telephone news from Patrick, a stranger no longer.
Your submission, Ms. Rowlen, is the winner in our 12th annual Cute Grandbaby Story Contest. Therefore, a $25 check for first place is headed your way.
Moving next to our runner-up story, we hear from Grandmother Mary Lou Greffen, of Leesburg, FL. As is common between grandchildren and favorite grandparents, many years their senior, nighttime talk often turns to the after life.
The inquisitive grandchild, Erin Moats, age 9, asks first if Grandmother Greffen and Grandpa Ernie Greffen are going to heaven? Assured that they most certainly are—this granddaughter pauses then to consider the situation. After a moment, young Ms. Moats, a pragmatist, asks:
“When you get to heaven, Grandma, will you write me a note? Drop it down, so I’ll know you’re up there?”
Now, as grandfather to six ever-curious Lindeman grandchildren, ranging in ages from five to
19, I often am called upon to exhibit patience with them, a quality or behavior I sometimes have difficulty summoning into play. Meantime, reader Janet Pineault, of Poway, CA, was required to muster a ration of patience when she brought home a special dress for Easter, a gift for granddaughter Natalie, age 3 and a half.
Here is the dialogue that then ensued:
Grandmother Janet: “Would you like to try on your Easter dress?”
Answer: “Yes…”
Grandmother Janet: “Okay, but you can’t wear it now. Remember, it’s for Easter?”
Natalie begins to cry loudly: “No, it’s MY dress! Not for my friend, Easter.”
Patience, motivation, love, tolerance, sharing, the giving of time and the demonstration of your strength---these are all qualities, or performances, you will be required to call up, even as you strive to earn the love and trust of your grandchildren.
Finally, the time with them passes so rapidly; forgive me for suggesting here that you not only capture beguiling moments with film, and/or video tape, but also that you write, for posterity, your memories of special times, in particular those little bits and ends of childlike humor, bright sayings, and the beloved inquiries, such as, “Grandma, when you get to heaven, will you send me down a note, telling me you’re up there…?"
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Outrageous Associations
