Memorial Day For Moms and Daughters

Madeline is in the "asking questions" stage of her pre-school years. If you thought she was inquisitive before, "you ain't seen nothin' yet." Since she has been spending more time with and talking to her dad lately, she has been asking more and more (and more) questions about family in general. One of which is, "Who is so-and-so's daddy/mommy/brother/sister/cousin?" 'So-and-so' may refer to me or any random person in Wal-Mart, it doesn't matter the girl wants to know.



She has asked my parents who their parents are as well. My grandfather on my mother's side passed away over eight years ago. So when Madeline asked my mother about her dad, it was difficult to explain this to a three-almost-four year old. She was just not happy with our, "Well, honey, he passed away before you were born."



Sunday, on the way home from grandmother on my mother's side's house, we stopped at Grandpa's grave. I hadn't been there for five years or so*, it was difficult for me to find it. My mom helped, and soon we were all encircling the gravestone. We were trying to gently explain things to Madeline. When I told her that it was time to go, she looked up with her huge innocent eyes and said, "But I want him to get up!" So maybe we didn't answer any questions for her.



In the past eight years since the death of my grandfather, I have been a little sad that he's not around to see things like graduations, etc. But lately, as Madeline's personality continues to develope, I'm sad that my grandfather won't meet Madeline on earth. The mischevious twinkle in her eyes reminds me of him. I was too shy to really be close to my grandfather, but I think she would be if he were still around. I miss you Grandpa, and I wish you could see my wonderful daughter. You'd like her.



*My family has never been "big" in the idea of decorating/visiting graves, etc. We tend to take time to reflect together. My parents have always said that the grave is only where the physical body is, and we need to remember where the spirit is. So, don't think I'm a horrible granddaughter for not visiting his grave. I think of him often.