We traveled north to get to The South in order to visit my in-laws for Thanksgiving. They live in a small rural town that was actually part of a dry county until only a couple of years ago (!). And let me tell you: I look forward to it every time we go.
First of all, I’ve been blessed with kind in-laws. But secondly, there is nothing like the rest I get when grandparents are around. Since we live at least 1,000 miles from our families, our son doesn’t get to see his grandparents on a regular basis. But boy when they get together, it’s like, “mama who?” And I don’t even have a response because I’m busy doing whatever I want!
Grandparents are the best.
The anthropologist in me remembers being taught the “grandmother hypothesis,” which says that there might be a benefit to menopause, in that it frees up grandmothers to care for their grandchildren. There are other recent studies that show grandparents provide positively for children.
In my experience, Mimis, Pops, Papas, and Grammys are all equally wonderful. They enjoy taking my little tyke out back and watching him endlessly collect sticks and move mulch from here to there to here again. The smile in delight when he refuses to eat the food he just requested. And they never complain when he leaps off their furniture. (He does stick the landings.)
And all the while, little W’s mother is upstairs, reading a book. An actual book, with words only. I polished off a novel in a day and a half. Why? Because I could. My husband and I spent the night away to attend a college football game. We had drinks with friends until the wild hour of 11 pm. We had brunch the next day. Brunch. An unhurried non-meal that requires day drinking.
Oh, it was delightful.
Since I’m alone most days with my son, the “it takes a village” idea sure seems desirable. I love spending time with my sweet boy, but I didn’t have a lobotomy when I gave birth: I still enjoy doing other things. I like to read, I like to go on fun dates with my husband, I like to travel, and I like to run. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s nice to share the load. Hubs and I don’t have to change every diaper.
I’m sure this is because I’m from a rural area, but it seems country places are perfect for kids. There are dogs, and different rocks and trees and bushes and whoa–there went a squirrel. This Thanksgiving I definitely feel grateful for grandparents!
Q: What do you love best about grandparents?
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