Monday, July 7, 2014

Independence Day

I



It started with a little town parade. Finn grabbed candy and filled up his bag laughing and saying "wow!" Over and over again. He ended up with a bag full of treats but only ate a sucker and some smarties. "Want some smarties, mama?" He asked popping one after the other in his mouth. Feeling like a big kid after Halloween, their hardwork spread out on the floor with happiness and pride across their face. 

A picnic with family. Lots of food and grills and cousins and aunts and uncles and games. We stayed outside all day, Finn playing ball with his cousins, running around barefoot and dirty.  

Then a drive up to the most special little town right on the lake to see the most special grandma, Gigi. Pulling into the quaint neighborhood James pointed out where he rode his bike. Where he hit golf balls into the lake with his great uncle, learning how to hold the club and practicing his swing.  Where he played with his own cousins outside all day. 

We pulled in just in time for sunset. After putting a tired boy to sleep we sat with Gigi in her living room. She told us stories about her days, volunteering at the light house and riding her bike to church. She said she meditates every morning for twenty minutes. Then she prays and it takes her 35 minutes because "she has a long list of people to pray for." She told us stories about her husband, about their life and marriage and love. She said she was the happiest girl in the world when she was with him. "He's been gone 19 years this month" she said with tears in her eyes, "but he's still here" she said with a smile. 

The weekend ended with fireworks. Loud, feel-in-your-bones, fireworks over the water. Finn watched with concern and amazement. We cheered and yelled when the show was over. 

We left this morning before the sun came up. The lake was gray and blue. The boats were gone and the beach was quiet. Gigi waved goodbye in her pajamas as the lighthouse lamp blinked softy over the water. 













1 comment:

  1. I love this post, the pictures and the words, the part about Grandma Gigi made me teary.

    ReplyDelete