The kids have grown up and left home, but they haven't really gone. Every room has traces of them; hair gel in the bathroom, coffee cups in the cupboard, DVD's in the livingroom, even letters to them in the mailbox.
The attic is the biggest collection of everybody's leftovers. I stand there staring at the mess. There are sleeping bags, sweaters, fuzzy slippers, stuffed animals, and toy soldiers. I find boxes of old photos and report cards; those will be definitely be saved, but what do I do with an old backpack full of hairclips and bottles of nailpolish? What do I do with some rollerblades and snowshoes? Does anybody care if I throw them or sell them or give them away?
I find a box of box of baby clothes. Ooooohh, I remember bringing home my firstborn in this cute little pink dress. This coat was passed down through everyone of them. Grandma made this sweater for them. Lovingly, I pack the box again. Soon, there will be new babies to wear these clothes. I now have two new grandbabies on the way; one in January, the other in March.
In another corner of the attic, I find the old children's books. "Horton Hatches an Egg" The cover is missing. I read it so much that I could quote it with my eyes closed, too tired to stay open. My daughter whispered, "Mama, you need to turn the page." Oh, I miss those days!
I have a big rubber tote that I've been filling with toys for my future grandchildren. Some are ones that my kids played with. Others are ones that I've gotten on sale or found at yard sales. I smile as I realize that most of them could be considered educational. When they come to visit Nana, they'll learn something new.
I didn't get much done cleaning the attic, but I spent a wonderful afternoon up there. Maybe I'll try again on another rainy afternoon.
(I will be teaching at our church's VBS daycamp this week. I'm usually there from 8 AM- 3 PM, and not much time for writing, so I pre-posted my entries for this week. I hope it works well. Please pray for the children who will be coming and for the teachers that they will present God's Word plainly.)
4 comments:
Sounds like a lovely passtime for an afternoon, dear Vonnie. Lovely memories I enjoyed immensely. Praying for those little kids' hearts.
Beautifully written. I know it won't be long before I'll be in the attic sorting through memories.
Two grandbabies? I knew about one, who is the other?
Micah and Grace are expecting a baby in March !!!!
Ooooooh...I can't wait to cuddle my grandbabies.
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