A Grandma’s Perspective

“All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.”
– J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

Certain people have this amazing ability to create magic. It’s the magic of childhood, of adventure, of exploration, and joy. The inner most parts of them just give out sparkles of joy and “come fly with me” encouragement in anything they are doing.

I think Grandmas (Nannies, Omas, Yayas, Nanas, Grammies, etc.) have this ability beyond few others. Its the magic of a Thomas Kinkade painting and the light that glows throughout; the uncanny ability to make even a potty break an exciting task; and the unspoken agreement to spoil all those involved more than they probably should – yet they should be because, well let’s face it, that’s why God created Grandmas!

Even amongst mediocre American diner food and 1950’s style of deliciously creamy milkshakes that have one rule – don’t ask what its made of – Grandmas find a way to make it all magical, just as you hoped it would be.

‘Cause who cares if you puked buckets in the car on the way there and the dumpster gladly accepted a baby girl’s adorable outfit (the-entire-thing).

That regardless of the nutritional content of the the dinner being ZERO or that the floors in the diner probably met a mop circa 1965…No matter, Grandma is there to sprinkle fairy dust all around (totally imaginary magicalness, with no added calories) to make it sweet, yummy, gleeful fun!

And of course, why would she stop there? Well any self-respecting Grandma knows that you can’t just stop the fun after dinner has commenced.

Oh no, no, it’s time to play! And play they did! Tunneling, driving, climbing, and no less adventuring until the captains of the dock shooed poor Grandma and her mates home because it was, well, nearly three hours past bedtime by the time we got into bed!

It’s all about perspective. You say “Oh what’s another hour! What’s another three trips up and down the escalator!” and I say, “Lord have mercy I am tired and I am half your age…er I mean, a few years younger.” Grandmas get this, God gives them magical energy powers as soon as the first grandchild is born.

“Can anything harm us, mother, after the night-lights are lit?”
Nothing, precious,” she said; “they are the eyes a mother leaves behind her to guard her children.” – J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan