On Friday, just after school, my friend Sara and I headed north to see our grandchildren. Sara and I have been friends about twenty years – and as it turns out, our grandchildren are but a few miles apart. Little Ryan lives in Wake Forest and Saras’ grandchildren live in a community, just a few minutes away.
Sara knows the route well, for she has been driving it for over five years. Regular readers know, that I am quite a slow learner when it comes to driving anywhere unfamiliar. Besides that, I am just not cut out, to drive bumper to bumper at seventy miles per hour. I have lived in the country for most of life and for a while in a small town. Neither prepared me for the commotion of an interstate in a city, where everyone seems under the assumption, that they have at least nine lives.
One day, in a friendly conversation, Sara mentioned a bakery, she frequents when she visits her daughter. When I was in Wake Forest with Will and Jenny, and Tres, we drove right by a bakery with the name, Sara had called. It was right around the corner from Brant and Sydneys’ and I decided it had to be a fluke, but as it turns out it was the bakery, that Sara had mentioned. . .Hence, we planned a visit. I was thrilled, for Sara agreed to drive, in a heart beat.
The hours flew by. We always share recipes, and talk about our children. Sara is building a tiny house in the mountains and we talked about the Charlotte Mason method of education . . and books. It was a lovely drive and we made good time. It is wonderful to have friends.
If you think, I brag about my grandchildren, you will know for sure now, that yes I do! Ryan is simply beautiful. He is a cheerful baby, too. He is two months old now, and coos like a little dove. He smiles and will laugh out loud, on occasion. I fell in love with him, all over again and could not stop gushing over his beautiful skin and perfect little mouth. I found myself staring at him and not a single thought would pop in my head, in those moments. I prayed over him and proclaimed my love for him over and over. I sang “Roses are red, my love. Violets are blue-Angels in Heaven, know I love you.”
Then there was Sydney and Brant . . .they are surely the icing on the cake. Sydney is just so sensible, it astounds me! She is a young first time mother, yet she is confident and so very loving. I have yet to see her show any signs of frustration. If Ryan frets, she knows why. She fairly glows with contentment. Brant is hopelessly in love with his little son. I have never seen him happier – and that means everything to me. He changes diapers, gives baths and picks out Ryans’ little clothes with great thought. Brant told me, that all the time he is working, he is thinking about coming home to Sydney and Ryan.
We cooked a lot for a “Sunday dinner” at Sydneys’ grandparents. They live in a beautiful area of Chapel Hill. There are small rolling hills and pastures and woodlands behind them – and a stream. Brant and I rambled through the land, as we used to in his childhood. The weather was perfect and I declare the place was holy.
The dinner was nice. Sydneys’ parents stopped in, on their way back from a trip to the mountains and so did Seth, Sydneys’ younger and very well mannered brother. I felt right at home with all of them, as if we had known each other, always. Again, the gratitude just welled up inside of me like a fountain, thinking of all the love that Ryan was born into.
We drove back under a full moon, the color of butter. Sydney is used to the traffic and did not flinch as folks were weaving in and out of lanes- “The country comes to town” I thought. Brant and Ryan slept and I looked for every “lucky star” I could find.
Monday morning dawned cold and bright. Everyone had to work, except for Sydney and I. We drank coffee and ate left over cheese biscuits. I spent some time with Ryan and secretly vowed not to cry when I left. The holidays are just around the corner after all, and we have some wonderful gatherings planned.
Sara came just after noon. We were both full of stories of the holiday . . .and we told them all. We also stopped at the little bakery.
We drove back and admired the bright leaves that made the countryside all the merrier. Sara loved having company and I was glad to ride . . . so of course . . we will do this again.
Thank Heaven for Little Girls…….but …..I’m telling you there is something special about little boys.
So glad you have found a safe way to visit the city. Things always work out .
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I am so glad to hear from you! I have missed you-I sure hope all is well-you have been through so much. Know you are loed and prayed for. xoxo Michele
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To be totally honest….I’m ready for the new year…this one isn’t over until it’s over.
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What a beautiful little boy, and blessed with an abundance of loving relatives! I love the Charlotte Mason educational style…I used it with my sons, but once in a while I had to throw in some “twaddle!” 😉
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thank you Jen- I used Charlotte mason too and am now thinking about the grand children.
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Yes, I have saved all my books and materials for the same reason…though not there yet!
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I can feel your love as always. Your family is so lucky to have you. I feel lucky to read what you write. Love you, Linda F.
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awwh-thank you so much and believe me, i am the lucky one! xo
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Your writing draws me into the center of your life — a marvelous gift! Sharing the ride with a friend couldn’t be better.
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So nice to have good friends. There are a lot of people on freeways who think they have 9 lives. I can just hear you singing that song – I have always like that song. Yes, Angels in heaven know we love our precious little grandchildren. Lovely post
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thank you dear Peggyjoan! xoxoMichele
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Such a sweet baby!!!
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That is one darling baby. No wonder you couldn’t stop looking at him. I’m with you about driving bumper to bumper at 70 miles per hour. Terrifying!
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Thank you Laurie-and I have told the story of you and Ryans’ special connection. love Michele
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XXXOOOO
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He is so precious!! I totally understand about the city driving. When I go to see my son and his family in the city I do NOT drive right through the city but take the long way round to get to their house.
I think I may have found a friend who has a child that lives in the same city….we have been discussing road trips also…and she is not afraid of the traffic!
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oh I so hope that you have a friend to ride with. What a difference that will make. love Michele
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Love this from your grandmother perspective. I’m IN this season with my little 6 month old. I feel the SAME way about driving unfamiliar routes and I’m especially a nervous city driver. I avoid it like the plague. Love the photos of your grandson and you, too! 🙂
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Amy-we have so much in common-I am in good company with you-love Michele
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Why wouldn’t you brag about those wonderful creatures 😍💗
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Michele, I love the way you are cuddling him in that last photo. If I closed my eyes, I think I can just about feel his warm baby weight, and that little downey head bob and brush against my face.
You have truly been blessed and I’m so glad for that!
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I am so very blessed and in many ways. I bet you are too. thank you, love Michele-a happy rabbitt
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