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Reliving Childhood

Feeding the ducks

Last week the kids and I had a very intense week in Utah. I mourned the loss of my grandfather, and enjoyed reconnecting with family who, in some cases, I hadn’t seen since before I got married.

For the kids, who didn’t really understand what was going on, the trip was mostly a chance to see (Great-) Grandma C and my dad, brothers and sisters, and cousins.

Watching the kids enjoy outings to the park across the street from my grandmother’s home was a trip down memory lane for me. I enjoyed watching them feed the ducks just as I did at the same pond,

racing boats

And race boats in the same miniature stream I raced boats in as a child – as well as my father before me.

Johnny watching his boat

Best of all, I loved seeing my children enjoy story time! My grandma is a master storyteller,  and it was wonderful to hear her share the same stories she told me as a child – some made up in the moment, and others old favorites (compiled into a book and illustrated by my very talented cousin J).

Enjoying storytime with Great-Grandma

I knew how to dial my grandmother’s phone number by age 4 or 5, and I don’t know how many times I picked up the phone, called her, and asked, “Grandma, tell me a story?” She always obliged, and it was amazing to see her carry on the tradition even in a moment of great sorrow. Thank you, Grandma, for taking my children into the magical world of story time!

MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.

17 thoughts on “Reliving Childhood”

  1. Great pictures! I especially love the one with your grandmother reading to the kids :) I, also, knew my grandparents’ phone number by heart when I was very small…it was certainly the first phone number I ever learned!!

  2. What a beautiful trip down memory lane! I bet your grandmother loved being able to tell stories to her great-grandchildren.

  3. Sorry for your loss. What a beautiful post though, the memories you have of your grandmother, then seeing her sharing those same stories with your children is so touching.

  4. We made boats this weekend and floated them down the canal also…I love your little river…that is a perfect boat floating place.
    Grandma’s stories….it’s hard to beat them!
    Looks like you had a great time!

  5. You come from a wonderful family. How nice that you can relive some of your own childhood through the eyes (and ears) of your children.

  6. Hi,
    So sorry about your grandfather!!
    I was in America when mine passed away in Czech Republic, I couldn’t attend the services. I was very close to him. It was very hard.
    May your wonderful memories of him always bring smile on your face and uplift his place in heaven.
    Lovely story. lovely pictures!
    Thank you for your comment. I AM in the middle of drawing Johnny’s picture. Just been so busy with other things, but I am getting there! Thank you for being patient!
    Blessings!

    1. No worries with the picture – we aren’t going anywhere! =)

      I am so sorry you weren’t able to make it to your grandfather’s services. I was so grateful to make it out last week. At least we both have wonderful memories to hold onto!

  7. Elisa | blissfulE

    I just took a look at the book of your grandmother’s stories that you linked to, and I enjoyed having a peek at the illustrations! I’ll bet the story is equally impressive. An amazing family memento.

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