After a wonderful ten day visit to El Paso to visit our oldest daughter and our grandsons,
where all I thought about was their baseball games, driving my youngest grandson to school each morning, and what to cook for breakfast, I have been tired and ready to go back.
There is tired and then there is tired and missing them. I will take the first any day.
There is tired and then there is tired and missing them. I will take the first any day.
My husband and I took the scenic route home, which turned a normally 12 hour drive into 15, and so I felt-
as my father would say- ridden hard and put up wet.
The next morning while still in my gown, coffee in hand, I made a round in my back yard.
Standing at my zinnia bed, nothing
Standing at my zinnia bed, nothing
was easing that sense of homesickness for those
two boys until I saw this.
A ladybug had come to visit.
Seeing that at that tired and lonesome moment was like my mother pressing her hand against my forehead , as she often did when I was a little girl.
That hand meant she was there, and that I would feel better soon, and that everything would be alright.
It was as if she said,
Seeing that at that tired and lonesome moment was like my mother pressing her hand against my forehead , as she often did when I was a little girl.
That hand meant she was there, and that I would feel better soon, and that everything would be alright.
It was as if she said,
"Laura Ellen, I am so proud of your gardening.
Isn't it satisfying?
Isn't it satisfying?
I know how it feels to miss your grandsons.
They are wonderful.
Heather has grown into such a wise and wonderful mother.
Of course you miss them.
Go again.
Go again.
Soon!
Go!"
Everything is ok.
Everything will be ok.
I am going again.
Soon.
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22 comments:
Our first grandchild was born in Florida. (We live in Northern Ohio). Our first trip to visit was when he was just one week old. At the end of the week, I started crying as we left the driveway and bawled through Florida, Georgia and into Tennessee. From Kentucky to Ohio to home, I just sniffled. Grandchildren are such a precious gift and being apart from them is so heartbreaking. How wonderful that your mother sent the lady bug to make you feel better!
Laura, I'm happy the time you spent with your grands was wonderful.
All our family lives here in Milan, Itlay and I can see how my mum is happy to spend time with my daughter (15 yrs old) and my niece (17 months).
Love
I don't have grand children ...yet:)
but I feel like this at times with my oldest two who are no longer at home...
Glad you're going back ....soon.
Laura,
There is nothing like a visit with our Children and their children.
The joy in arriving and the pain in leaving.
But, yes my friend, you will go back again very soon!
xo
Jemma
Oh yes! Go again soon!
I'm going to be in your shoes this fall when my daughter and her husband go back to SC so he can finish school. She is expecting her first baby in early October and will be so far away! It's hard to think about!
My other girls and I plan to hop in the car, as soon as we hear she is in labor, and head out for a 10 hour drive!
So happy you had this time with them.
I can't even stand it when we leave our son in Oklahoma and he's not married with children. I can't imagine how it feels to leave grand children. I remember my grandmother waving and crying when we would leave....I can only guess that's how you felt driving away.
Awwwwwwwwww......I can only imagine...keeping you in prayer, friend...what a lovely, sweet post....
That ladybug knew just when to show up!
Tears to the eyes friend! I am so lucky my children live close. Lubbock is 3.5 hours and as far as it gets...yet when we leave...there are always sad face emoticons and miss you already texts and yes, even though I have one 3 blocks down...I still MISS THEM TOO!
Missing...what a profoundly lucky feeling!
Laura,
I know they are missing you too and the distance only makes the visits that much sweeter.:-)
Those moments in time you have with grandkids is the best EVER!! From a grandchild's perspective I felt the very same way. When we were kids, (in the 50's) we lived a 1,000 miles away from our grandparents (Missouri to North Dakota). We would leave in the middle of the night in a car packed with blankets & pillows, food to eat at a quick road side stop, & my dad driving the whole way with maybe a couple of hours nap time along the way. The moment we arrived at Grandma & Grandpa's farm house, my grandmother was stepping out the front door, wearing her dress adorned with her always present apron, & her arms outstretched for us kids. After a 2 week visit staying on the farm & soaking up all it offered, we all cried as we left & I ached for her for many weeks after.
Yes, I can imagine that achy loss after such a bustling fun visit. But I was so happy to hear about your comforting ladybug moment. :)
Heartbreaking time is when driving away. When the grandkids lived in Atlanta, drive back to Texas was so hard. Only sound I could here, sniffling. I feel you pain, dear Laura. You'll be back there soon. Your garden is such a comforting place and beautiful!
Hugs to you, sweet friend.
Nancy
What a touching and heartwarming post, my sweetest Laura, is there something more precious to us than our family ?
... I so love you and your so good sentiments, Dearest One !
Hope your week is off to a good start I wish you all my best for your days to come,
thinking of you with much love
Dany
What a precious and beautiful post, Laura! I've been seeing lady bugs around the water garden plants. I smile every time I see one.
Brenda
It is always hard to leave our loved ones.
You have my sympathy as I know what it is to leave precious grandchildren behind - or have them leave after a holiday. After one visit I couldn't bear to wipe the little handprint off the steel dishwasher. Four of our six live a province and two mountain ranges away so we don't see them as often as we'd like. It's hard. Of course you should go back soon!
When I was young and my family visited my grandmother, she would always say I am so happy to see you and I am so sad when you leave. When any of my family visits me now, I know exactly how she. I am so happy when they come and so sad when they go home.
I long for the day when I'll be able to have that grand experience. But I can tell from your words how much you love them and how you are willing to wrap yourself in the beauty of your garden to heal from the separation until you can return again. The zinnias are beautiful. You remind me I'd better get some seeds before it is too late!
I SO understand. Just plan the next trip, that makes it feel better! Sending hugs your way:)
I get this one so much my friend. Go again...soon!
Awww I love how your Angel Mom whispers to you with such sweet words of wisdom. You have something to look forward to, Laura, and there's joy in knowing that!
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