Yesterday was the first day of school for the local school districts. Grandson #3 began his senior year (grade 12) in high school. Grandson #4 began his sophomore year (grade 10) at the same school. Granddaughter #1 earlier in the month began her final year at university in Arkansas. Grandson #2 spent his day packing to leave for his first day at university in Boseman, Montana.
With Boseman being 1730 miles (2784 km) there will be limited visits with Grandson #2 over the next years. His mom is going to miss this sweet guy. He has been making a point of spending time with her over the last several months. Unlike most guys ready to 'take flight', he has not been rebelling, arguing, or just being difficult. That always makes the departure a bit easier. DIL had mentioned she was really dreading his leaving.
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| L to R, Grandson #3, Grandson #2, and Grandson #4 |
Grandson #2 (aka Bonus Grandson) requested one last family dinner before his departure. I had made a special pillow for Granddughter when she left for college. It had a picture of DJ curled up asleep on her pillow. Pillows are not the cool thing for guys. I mean, don't even think about that, Grandma. What little thing can we give a guy? Since DIL had asked me to pick up a couple of things at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, I did a quick browse. And there was the answer, an extension cord with USB ports. The smile on his face was confirmation that we had nailed it! Whether needed or not, one can never have too many extension cords in a dorm.
The dinner together was so pleasant. Unlike when the guys were younger, there was no fighting or goofing around. The three grandsons just visited and talked about all the things guys discuss. G#2 is a car guy so he talked cars. G# 3&4 are both sports guys. They each shared stories about stuff going on. Of course, there was lots of talk about the university G#2 would be attending.
Yesterday was, also, the anniversary of another beginning. Son and DIL recognize it as their anniversary. The day they committed to each other as a family. The day we gained a granddaughter and another grandson. The beginning of the FAB family. The FAB acronym is the last name of DIL, Son, and DIL's children. The FAB family is the blessing of our life. The joy of our souls. Even as they become scattered from Montana, Colorado where G #1 lives, Arkansas, and central Texas the FAB family is still the core of our life.
So raise a toast to new beginnings for all of us. Cheers.
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| Hubby at the farewell dinner |
Stay safe and love!
Janice
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteWell timed - I had my cuppa tea in my hand as I read this and did indeed raise it to the toast! So glad you got the inspiration for the cord and that the meal was 'grown up' and you are left with a happy memory for the beginnings of each of their next chapters. YAM xx
It was very pleasant. The last three nights have been spent at Son's home as they have travelled to Bozeman. Today, Sunday, they are getting Z settled into his dorm. Tomorrow Son and DIL fly back home. DIL is sure she will be in tears most of the flight. Except for the first and third weekends of each month when G 3 & 4 are with their dad, they will be empty nesters. I have one more night of house setting then it will be back in my own bed.
DeleteJanice, your handsome grandsons are older than mine but I already feel nostalgic about the day mine will go away to college! It's wonderful to see grandchildren gain "wings to fly" but it sounds their roots to return home also seem strong. I wish them all success in their studies this year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments, Pat. We relocated to be near the kids so they would know us better. So very glad we did. Overheard G#3 telling a friend of his that this is the grandma that made G34 and I tents for our bunk beds. She even had windows made of plastic that could be rolled up. One sentence worth every second of the hours and hours of planning and creating those tents.
ReplyDelete