My Grandparent's World

                My grandparents had a ton of friends. I remember they were always off to a dinner, dance, card game, or, on Saturdays, all day beach picnics where about 25 of them would get together. They were always doing something, and surrounded themselves with a great group of friends that all enjoyed each other’s company. My Grandparents knew how to live.

                Some of their friends are still around, albeit, up there in age. Barbara is now 95, but she doesn’t look it at all. I always ask her about her “secret” and it really isn’t a secret at all. She walks everywhere, remains independent, and eats healthy. She tells me she doesn’t believe in vitamins, and complains that she now has to take an occasional antacid for acid reflux –that’s it! No other medications or pills! Isn’t that wonderful? Collette is another widow up there in years, but she looks amazing, still drives, and is very much independent. Mike and Marion are still doing okay too. Marion says there is a Yiddish saying about death that at some point, you are closer than further, and, as she puts it, they are getting closer. For Mike’s 90^th birthday, his son read a wonderful excerpt from the “Greatest Generation” and it was quite moving.

I keep in touch with them the best I can and every few months or so we all get together. It’s a chance for us to visit, catch-up, and for them, to reminisce about their happy memories. For me, for a short while, I get my grandparents back. Sometimes I even hear a story about my grandparents that I didn’t already know and it’s like being given a beautiful, precious gift.

                I enjoy these times, but it makes me more aware that my grandparent’s world is slipping away in terms of how our family is so different now. I know that everything is temporary and nothing remains the same, but when I visit with their friends, it’s like nothing changed. Lunch is an event! The table is always set just so, with different plates and forks for each course – no plastic! The first course is salad and bread, and then onto a feast, that most families do not even do at the holidays anymore! Marion doesnt let anyone help, she says her kitchen is too small! The main course is followed by fruit and nuts, and then onto coffee and dessert. We then played cards for a few hours, and after awhile it was time to go.

                I always get sad when I leave them. I have to control my thoughts and try to stay present, not partake in “future-ing” and worrying if I will ever see them again. I bless the beautiful day, and I thank God that my grandparents had such wonderful friends in their life that brought them great joy. I thank God for the joy they give me.