Respite At Grandma’s House

The word “respite” means:  breathing space, relaxation, informal, recess, time out, rest. There is probably no greater “respite” for kids than spending the night at grandma’s house.  (In my case… “Nana’s” house.)   On occasion, I have a grandchild call and say,  “Nana, can I spend the night at your house?” “I need a break.”  “A break from what?” I reply.  “Oh, you know… a break from my brothers (or my sisters)… my folks.”

What this really means is…  “I want to come to your house where I can do anything I want… (with in reason).  I can lay on the couch and watch TV without  being bugged.”  “We can go out and get a “bite to eat” and I can order anything I want.”  “I can stay up till three and sleep until noon.” “Can we go to the dollar store, get movies at the library and get individual pizzas?”

Some grandkids come one at a time… others want cousins to join them.   Whatever!

Obviously, each child has his own set of respite requirements… and I have my limits on what I will allow… but for the most part… the child is “King or Queen” for the day.

I think sometimes we think that kids don’t need a break from school, homework, home chores, parents, friends, and life’s pressures… because they’re kids.   But, they need a break… just like we do.  For me… I’m glad to provide that kind of respite for my grandkids…. a place that’s safe and fun.

Since my sister, Sheila’s grandkids live in another state… her grands come for a week at a time.  They go fishing, camping, and take long walks in the middle of the night… up to a near by cemetery… just to visit and chat.  When it’s time to go home… they moan and groan… and shed tears… as they load their gear in the car to go to their own abode.

What wonderful opportunities we grandparents have…  to be a “save place or safe person” in the lives of our grand kids.  There are so many teaching moments we can offer, in support of their parents… as well as entertain and provide respite.  I can’t think of a better place in life to be…. than a “nana.”

This past holiday season, I had lots of grands stay over at different times.  In this group we even included my neighbor’s granddaughter…We had a great time.   They’re already asking, “When can we come again.”  (Got a few more grands to get in before we start the next rotation.)

“Soon,”  I say,  “Soon!”

Till Later

Kathy Griffiths

Insightful Nana

P.S.  Do you think they have Grandma respite some place?

P.P.S.  Lest you think that every visit is respite… it is not.  Sometimes they come to work… mow the lawn, rake leaves, clean out the rain gutters and the like.  But even then… we try and combine some fun.

Grandparents – Birth Of A New Baby

To grandparents, news of the birth of a new baby in the family never seems to loose it’s luster and excitement… as was the case of the news of a new granddaughter to Gene and Janet Latta.

I was attending a cooking demonstration being given by Chef Gene Latta when the long awaited call came to announce the arrive of their new grandchild. A little girl… 8lbs. 3oz. – 20.25 inches long… and her name is Navy Marie.

I grabbed my camera and click off a few shots. I think the expression on Janet’s face tells the whole
story… don’t you?

I have two new grandkids coming soon…August and September…. a little granddaugher and a grandson. I never tire of the excitement of getting the news… “We’re in labor.” Off to the hospital I go, to witness the miracle of a new baby. Both my daughter, Katie and my daughter-in-law, Martha are gracious enough include me in the birth.

Of course, I’m the one behind the camera… getting those “private” shots. (I’m going to be more discrete this time…. maybe… I get a little excited.)

Till Later

Kathy Griffiths

Insightful Nana

P.S. I think this is about it for me… my kids say “We’re Done!” I’m okay with that…15 grandkids is great!
P.P.S. Congats to Gene and Janet. And.. of course to the new parents too!

Do You Remember How To Play Croquet?

Do you remember how to play Croquet? Seeing this old Croquet set at my sister Sheila’s home recently, reminded me of all the fun times I had with my neighbor and best friend, Pam Barlow. We set up the backyard croquet game on a regular basis.

Sunday afternoons were just the best. Pam’s mom would fix us lemonade and serve it in tall colored aluminum glasses. The metal would get so cold that the outside of the glass would sweat with moisture. What fun! (I ran across a few of those old glasses at an antique store recently and gave them to my daughter, Emily, as a gift.)

Can you just see yourself smacking the ball hard with the mallet…and just barely missing your opponents ball? “Oh rats!”

Come to think about it… I believe there’s a new Croquet set of 4 in my basement…on a shelf… behind the old photos… in a storage room that needs major attention. Think I’ll drag it out right away and teach my grandkids how to play Croquet. That’s if I can leap over two boxes of books, one plastic container of genealogy, and an old slide projector to get to the set.

Till Later

Kathy Griffiths

Insighful Nana

P.S. Do they still make Croquet sets? I better pick up another set or two… or I’ll have a war on my hands!