sunrise, sunset

When I learned my first granddaughter decided to visit us for several days,I felt a bit uncertain about the wisdom of her decision.  Really?? Won’t she be bored?   Does she just need some CA sunshine? Will we be able to keep her interested?

Lyrics to Sunrise, Sunset.

Little did I know my Father was probably watching in the wings, singing the chorus of sunrise sunset from Fiddler on the Roof, one of his favorite songs and therefore one of mine too.  I could picture it easily.

Is this the little girl I carried?  Before me now was a beautiful young woman.  She could easily carry me if the situation required it, I believe.  She was like a breath of fresh ocean air coming into our home.  Ah, Youth!

I don’t remember growing older, when did they?  She rises at 6:30 AM to go for a walk.  uphill, of course.  I’m doing well if I’m out from under the covers at 8:30. She’s the epitome of a physically fit woman.  I’m fighting gravity every moment.  I marvel at her.  It’s a ridiculous comparison, but there it is.  I embrace it.  I embrace her too, knowing full well how fleeting is the time.  It’s to be treasured.

She seems genuinely interested in us as I am genuinely interested in her and her opinions. She’s articulate, focused and thoughtful.  Ah, she’s been well educated!  So together.  Such energy!

She easily takes her place in our kitchen at dinnertime, adding her own healthy twist to the veggie part of the meal.  She does so adeptly and enthusiastically. I decided then and there she should live with us. (kidding of course).

I am so grateful to have had this time together.  Now I sound like Carol Burnett.  Her visit:  What a beautiful gift. The most wonderful part is that I think it meant a lot to her as well!  Our pleasure in each other was shared.  and very special.

I have met a few women in my life who decide they do not want to have children.  I can truthfully tell them that seeing your grandchild mature into adulthood  and ready to carry their weight in life, is indeed a great joy, not easily discarded or overlooked.  Certainly not easily duplicated!

It’s a gift to watch life come full cycle and helps make the sunset easier to watch.