That Extra Special Visit

On By AngeliaIn Beautiful Life

Have I told you about my Mom? Former beauty queen, best preschool teacher in all of Oklahoma (in the 1980’s), former dog breeder of champion bloodhounds, super fun and carefree (although very strict on politeness and respect). We had many fantastic trips and outings growing up. In fact, I am absolutely positive my love of adventure comes from her. And the only thing about Mom that wasn’t quite right is her struggle with alcohol. A silent killer which tried to take her life one too many times.

But she always prevailed in her battle of the bottle (with much help from her sons).

With great joy, she is with us today and although not on her own anymore, she has found a new meaning to life being the youngest, and hippest at her assisted living home in Ada.

Because of her short-term memory loss from alcoholism, I normally don’t call her to let her know we are visiting her (she doesn’t remember even if I do). It is actually very fun to surprise her and as long as you make it to the home before lunch, she adores a lunch out to her favorite restaurant (or ours).

This past weekend was no exception. I didn’t call, but I planned a visit. I wanted to bring Averey to see her while she is still a small nine-month-old. I wanted her to have that last visit before she turned one and hit the mobile stage.

We took off Saturday morning and just made it prior to lunch. This is a big accomplishment coming from Texas and a good three hours away. What I love most about visiting her with the baby is her pure joy at seeing her first great-granddaughter. It is as if they have never met before and today is the happiest day of her life (she has met Averey two times before this visit).

Upholding the tradition of meeting Averey for the first time, Mom squeals with delight and snatches her up. She takes her around to every table, and every resident proclaiming to them about how it is her first time to meet her great-granddaughter. They oooh and aaah and congratulate her. It is the cutest thing I have ever seen.

Of course, I never have my camera, just my phone. But I did try to capture the moment.

Then, we go to lunch. Mom gets to sit by the baby. She laughs. She hugs. She can’t stop talking about how CUTE her great grand baby is. And we spend the afternoon watching her have the best day ever.

I know what it is like being Averey’s Grandmother. I can only imagine how delightful it is as her Great Grandma. The the love is undeniable and I am so glad we can gift her these moments.

Mom cuddled and rocked the afternoon away. Averey was not near as animated as usual. I could tell she wasn’t her crazy-baby self. And although, she didn’t have her normal energy. It didn’t bother Mom at all. She was able to hold her and get a big dose of cuddles.

© 2014 Angelia's Photography

And I was able to get some extra special photos of an extra, extra special visit.

It is as grandmothers that our mothers come into the fullness of their grace.
Author: Christopher Morley

19 thoughts on “That Extra Special Visit”

  1. I enjoyed reading your post, but it makes me think about how much more I should have done for my grandfather before he passed, how much more time I should have spent with him. I’m glad that you care enough to go and visit more than I did. She is not tucked away and forgotten; she is loved. I’ll be reading.

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    1. Thank-you and I’m so sorry for your loss. I actually don’t see my mom as much as I would like. But with her memory, she doesn’t seem to grasp the passage of days. Maybe your grandfather felt the passage of time different as well. Hang in there!

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  2. This is so sweet of you. I loved reading this, and I’m with you when it comes to how it must feel to be a Great Grandma. I always heard how wonderful it would be to be a grandma, but never did I ever imagine that it would be as GREAT as it is. Being a Great Grandma, must just take your breath away.
    Thank you for sharing this sweet, selfless moment of bringing a very special moment to a very special person. It brought a tear to my eyes. That last photo is so precious.

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    1. Thank-you! I know! A GREAT Grandma…I can’t imagine. It must be titled correctly. I hope I am around to find out one day. It’s funny because my mom got her first great grandchild from her youngest child’s daughter. No one could believe it happened that way. 🙂

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  5. Such a beautifully written post, Angelia. It brought happy tears to my eyes.

    And that final photograph captured it all because you can feel the LOVE exchange between them.

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful moment, my friend.
    X

    P.S. Have a super weekend!

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