mamadelvec-shares

In July, 2021 I boarded a plane back to my home state. During this time, I saw family and friends, visited local beaches, and enjoyed our four grandchildren. This was actually the first time all four grandchildren were together, since our last one was born during the pandemic in 2020.

My first sighting of our four grandchildren together was at my grandniece’s sixth birthday party. This was a family event where I also was seeing my siblings, as well as a host of other individuals. Our son was the first person I saw as I made my way into the backyard. Setting eyes on him was also very exciting, because it was the first time seeing him in the flesh since 2020.

As our first week together kicked off we decided a day at the shore would be family fun! As we flocked to the beach, it reminded me of years gone by, where I spent most of my summers with my own children, as they grew up. My daughter, her children and I were tasked with finding a big enough space, close to the water’s edge to accommodate our family members that were joining. As more and more portions of our family arrived, we stretched out our territory. The paraphernalia that is required when you take children to the seashore is utterly insane! Coolers, of course, with plenty to drink; food, and plenty of it; blankets and an abundance of towels; beach chairs and an umbrella/tent; and many, many sand toys for our little ones to construct sand sculptures and other masterpieces.

My eldest nephew made the comment that he remembered spending countless hours at the shore, when he was the child and we were the parents...wasn’t that only yesterday? Obviously, yesterday was approximately 30 years ago! His nostalgia was exactly what I had been reflecting on, only moments earlier. Reliving those moments gone by through the eyes of my children was amazing. They were creating memories for their families, the way I had so many years ago.

As the weeks pursued, we continued to make memorable experiences as a family. We spent time with extended family, enjoyed lots of meals together, and watched the grandchildren play together and begin to know each other as cousins. Of course with any large gatherings coupled with little ones, we did not escape without wiping many tears, breaking up small struggles about toys, and putting weary eyed children, under four, to bed!

However frustrating at times, I would not change this timespan for anything. Through my eyes, watching my two adult children raise my grandchildren, is truly gratifying. Although raised together, my children parent differently; however, both do not take my opinion graciously (unless specifically asked for). Thinking back I probably did not like my mother sharing her raising techniques too often either. Boundaries are hard for me to abide by concerning my adult children; perhaps some day soon I’ll realize it’s a must!

As I’m writing this entry, the air is crisp and trees are beginning to change into statues of vibrant colors. Long summer days have just about ended, and my family have long returned to their own parts of the world. Recollections created in the summer of 2021 will have to last until the next time we are all united, and new beginnings become memories.

Here’s to making memories every chance we get!

mamadelvec