It’s easier on me when I visit Chad, Nicole and Addie at their place and then all the little reminders aren’t here . . hiding, waiting to jump out and make me cry again. Chad had his flashlight sitting on the bar and we keep ours by the back door. Last night I needed to go out and went to grab the flashlight off the bar, remembered that one was Chad’s and it’s gone and that pretty much got the tears started. Friday after they left, I managed to stay busy and, I’m not saying I wasn’t upset but for some reason, yesterday was worse.
I had to laugh while they were here. So many things that would have been frustrating when Chad was a kid, are now fine.
Shoes left right in front of the door. I would have said to Chad when he was a kid . . put your shoes away when you take them off. But, Addie’s little pink shoes left right in front of the door . . that was just fine.
Addie’s Shoes
Chad got dirty and sweaty and left dirty caps where ever he happened to take them off. When they’re visiting, that’s just fine. The more I saw of them and their stuff, the happier that made me.
Chad’s Cap
Addie never wants to throw anything out. She grazes and wants to come back by and see what’s left to eat. Here we see a bit of leftover egg, some Teddy Grahams and a partially eaten chocolate covered donut.
Addie’s Place
But, now they’re gone. There are no little shoes in front of my door. There are no dirty caps belonging to my son and Addie’s place at the table is all cleaned up. Only the memories . . and the toys that have been put away. Most of the toys went home with her but the pool has been cleaned and stored.
Pool
The swing has been taken down and stored.
Swing
The pictures she painted will remain on my fridge and may get framed.
Painted Picture
As I was writing the stash report this morning, I was thinking how quickly time passes but it just doesn’t pass quickly enough when I’m waiting to see Chad, Nicole and Addie again.
Vickie VanDyken says
I feel your pain! So sad when they leave. Yes I agree grandchildren are always allowed to do what they do. Its the mean ol parents who have to teach them to put stuff away…..we just let them go as long as it doesn’t hurt them…its ok.
They are such treasures! I’m glad you had time with Addie, because, face it, if Chad and Nicole stayed home….that would be ok to, roflol. At least that is how I feel!
You have beautiful memories. They will pop up and make you happy when you least expect it.
Swooze says
Once I had kids and it was time to visit my parents I told my Mother, you better hug and kiss me first! I was also the last when we parted. Your story made me think of that 🙂
Valerie Reynolds says
Yes those precious reminders….so much easier being the Grammy isn’t it…we just have to hug, cuddle and love em. I never worry about cleaning up when mine visit either (But like you said, sure did when my daughter was young) And don’t ya love to just relish in the little whirlwind of activity, toys, shoes, hats, ect.
Sherrill says
Is Addie’s middle name Mae? That’s what it looked like on the picture. That’s MY middle name and was my grandma’s, too!
Donna says
The memories are what keep us going and not having to be the “no” person is the best part!
patti says
… and that, in a nutshell, is the difference between being a mom and being a grandma. being a grandma is SO much better!