After Grandpa Masts were settled into their new house right next to ours life soon got back into a pleasant routine. Grandpa didn't have much of an appetite so I found great pleasure in trying out new recipes and taking them over for him to sample. After he was done eating I would sit in the livingroom next to his rocking chair. Grandma would sit in her rocker and work on one of her projects. Her hands were never idle.
In his quavering voice Grandpa would launch into stories from his youth and early married life. He seemed to look forward to that part of the day almost as much as I did. And I made a point to always spend at least thirty minutes to an hour with him every evening.
I knew that wouldn't be possible after I got married and I wanted to cherish all the time with Grandpa that I could.
We English don't always appreciate the fact that your time is the most precious gift you can give.
ReplyDeleteAs we grow older we realize that we could have spent more time with our departed loved ones. We did spend time but was it enough? Some parents and grand parents don't like to remember. But I do. I try to give to my children and grandchildren things to long be remembered. You are so blessed to be able to sit at your grandfather's knee. Both of mine pass away when I was very young.
ReplyDeleteYou were a wise young woman to cherish the time and listen to the stories. As I get older, I wish I had listened to my grandparents more when I had the chance.
ReplyDeleteHow good to spend that time with your grandparents. They are too quickly gone from life.
ReplyDeleteI always loved hearing my Grandma tell stories of when she and Grandpa were young. And when my Mom was little. She wrote many things down as her life went on. Now that she is gone, each of her children have a book of memories written by her. It's one I love to get out when I'm at my parents, from time to time, and read. I love that I can still read about her past. I spent the summer of 2006 with her and it's something I'll cherish forever. Much like you, I'm sure, cherish your time spent with your Grandpa.
ReplyDeleteI would love love love to be able to build a house near mine for my parents to live in as they age.
ReplyDeleteOh how I can relate to that. I did the same with my Grandfather. Now I share those stories of both his,and of ours together with my children.
ReplyDeleteIt was very wise of you to realise you would treasure that time later.
ReplyDeleteI hope you dont mind, I would like to continue to follow your blog.
Im from Australia and have long been fascinated with the Amish culture.
We dont have any here that Im aware of, but the interest is there all the same.
I have read your story so far with interest. You write well :)
I wish I would of listened more to the older ones around. Being interested in genealogy now, I would have all kinds of questions for them.
ReplyDeleteuntil next time... nel