Gramma Sandra's Weekend

(We are missing one pair of small feet in this picture.)

So, it has been a while since I've put words here.  I've been busy with work, painting chairs, painting shoes, work, and last weekend spent time with my son and ohsoawesomemakesmyheartmelt granddaughter. 

I think I am going to officially change my name to "Gramma Sandra", simply because I absolutely love the way I feel inside when I hear it.  I flew into Redmond on Friday where my sister Janet picked me up and we spent the afternoon doing sister stuff, i.e., shopping and eating.  We inspire each other.  We enjoy each other.  We bring out the best in each other.  Dinner with Dan and Aron.  Then we went to the Prineville cemetery to look at headstones for Dan's folks.  It was an amazing feeling to just stand and feel the souls of so many people that have passed.  I looked up and there were probably ten deer wandering through the trees and resting places.  It was truly an amazing site.  The evening was spent painting shoes and just enjoying each other's company.  We laugh.

Saturday morning we drove to Portland, finally taking the dollhouse to Ava.  When we got there, Ava ran into my arms yelling "Gramma Sandra".  She wrapped her arms and legs all the way around me and held on.  I've never felt anything like that before.  I almost cried.  Seeing my son always makes me smile and sigh.  I am so proud of him, the father he is, the leader he is, the man he is.  I am so thankful for having him back in my life.  I feel the presence of his mom stronger when we are together.  It is a beautiful feeling.

A little while later, the door opened and in run my son's girlfriend's two amazing little girls screaming, "Gramma Sandra!  Gramma Sandra!"  They practically jumped into my lap with hugs and lots of laughter.  I was thinking to myself, "Manoman, that happened fast.  This morning I had one granddaughter and now I have three."  Could I be any more blessed?  My son's girlfriend is a beautiful young woman and I could feel the comfortableness between the two of them.  She is expecting my second....well, I guess now my fourth...grandchild in April.  They have blended this band of little people in a way that I could hardly see the lines.  The girls act like sisters act together and yet have the friends mentality too.  It is like a quiet whirlwind of color, energy, and curiosity all swirling about.  I am blessed to have been a part of it.

We went to an IMAX movie about bugs and went out for dinner.  I painted their toenails the color of mine (blue, green, yellow, orange and red).  They played with Janet's hair.  When they went to bed, we brought the dollhouse in from the car and I felt like Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.  While I was setting up the dollhouse, the adults had amazing and enlightening conversations.  I could see the "learning about each other" as if it were a tangible thing in the room and it was a good thing.

Sunday morning breakfast and a walk in the sun down a wonderful paved path looking for bugs and spiders.  The movie had an obvious impact on these thirsty minds.  Funny how much more aware one is when things are fresh in your mind.  The other gramma came for a quick introduction and visit.  This woman has a warm aura that surrounds her.  I was glad she came by.

We hugged our good-byes with I love you and so nice to meet you.  We left, me in a flurry of emotions.  I was exhilarated by the pure energy of my grandCHILDREN.  I was sad to be leaving.  I was thankful for having had the time.  I was feeling like there were things left undone and unsaid.  I was missing them already.  I was happy to see my son and his girlfriend happy and doing well.

The drive to Bend was one of quiet thoughts and observations about the weekend topped off with a crisp bean burrito from Taco Time.  The time I spend with my sister is always enlightening....for us both.  We are so different and yet so the same.  This is the second time we have made this trip and both agree we need to do it more often.  My hope is that Mom will be able to join us sometime.  What a hoot that would be.

I spent the night with my brother.  So nice to have him to myself, although I truly enjoy his girlfriend and her brother.  We ate tacos and had deep conversations.  He really is an insightful soul.  Funny, how we continue to grow and find out things about each other that we've never known before.  I wish things were easier for him and will be glad when he's got company in the house again.  Monday morning, I went to the office with him and then he took me on a drive around Bend.  Memories are amazing things.  His daughter came to see me off at the airport...what a tall beautiful girl she is.

So, that was my trip.  It is amazing how much we can pack into a few days.  What was my favorite part?  All of it.  I think when things happen that fast and steady, it takes me a few days later to take it all in.  I'm still feeling warm on the inside for all the love that surrounded me.  I can still hear those girls saying, "Gramma Sandra" and it makes me smile.

Does your name being called make you smile?