Gratitude

My mom spent the weekend in Pennsylvania, visiting relatives and attending our newest cousin’s christening. A few days ago, she told my sons of her impending trip and they asked when she’d be returning.

“Monday afternoon,” she said.

My youngest began to cry.

“You’re going to miss Grandparents’ Breakfast on Monday morning!” he wailed as tears flowed down his cheeks.

My oldest, always the healer, stepped in.

“I have an idea,” he said. “Next weekend we’ll have a sleepover at Nana’s and then a special Grandparent’s Breakfast at her house!”

The adults thought that was a wonderful plan. Youngest wasn’t having it.

“How about this?” he said. “Nana takes the trip to Pennsylvania, says hello, and then comes home early.”

I tried not to laugh. Kid’s a lot like me. Mom felt awful.

“I had no idea the breakfast was Monday morning when I planned this trip, sweetheart,” she said, with a heavy heart.

“Well,” my oldest said, still trying to look at the bright side, “at least you’ll be back for the 1st Grade Concert on October 24th.”

Mom looked like one of those men about to be executed.

“I’ll be on a business trip that week,” she said.

Both kids crying now.

“Thanks for stopping by, Mom.”

A few days later, she sent my husband this email.

Changed my flight to come home around midnight on Sunday. That puts me in
the Nana seat at Grandparent’s Day on Monday morning. $330

Cancelled my trip to Missouri. That puts me in the Nana Seat for the
1st Grade Choral Event. No bonus.

Responses from grandchildren: “You’re the best Nana I ever had."
“Wait till you hear me say my part of the poem. You'll love it."
Priceless.