MUSHY'S MOOCHINGS: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

Thursday, December 04, 2008

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

There is already one special gift under my Christmas tree, and it will keep on giving for a long, long time!

Lily has been, up until the last few months, very shy around strangers, and Judy and I worked hard at not taking it personally. We knew it was just a small child’s way of dealing with unfamiliar people and surroundings.

However, over the last few months she has finally warmed up to Papaw and Momma Judy! Hopefully you can identify with the joy we both have been feeling over the small comments she’s started making, and the displays of affection she has progressively shown.


The first thing we remember is that one day while she and her parents were visiting in our home, Lily remarked that she wanted to stay! Corey started to put on her coat and said that she should give us a hug. Lily then said, “No, I want to stay!

It was a little thing that probably went unnoticed by her mom and dad, but to us old folks it was a sign…a sign from above…the first sign that we meant something to her. It’s taken all of 3 years, but Papaw and Momma Judy are finally on her “A” list!

Judy and I took over the watch at 2PM last Tuesday. Tia had a doctor’s appointment, and put Lily down for her daily 1 to 3PM nap. We got there at about 2, so Tia could leave, but Lily could still be heard singing to herself in her room.

She has been put down, or in her room at 1PM every day since she was born. She has learned to stay in the room, whether she goes to sleep or not. She will not come out unless told she can, and usually falls to sleep within 30 minutes.

Tia told us that if she was still awake at 3PM, that we could go and get her.

Tia left and we sat there and listened to the monitor, not that we needed one to hear her. She was singing every song she knew, and when she wasn’t singing she was talking to herself. It was quite entertaining and funny at times.

Finally, just a few minutes before 3, I tiptoed back to where I could see her bedroom door. To my surprise the door was open, and all I could see were shoes and coloring books! For some reason she had lined all her shoes up across the floor in the opening of the door!

I went back into the living room and told Judy that I was going to let her come out. She agreed it was too late for her to be napping anyway.

Liiiillllyyy,” I started softly, “come see Papaw and Momma Judy.”

She got very quite. I then repeated myself, but a little louder.

Dat you Papaw?” she asked.

Yes, it’s Papaw…come see me!

She came running down the hallway to where I squatted with open arms. Instead of the bowed head and wrinkled brow upon seeing me, as we were accustomed to, she ran right into my arms and allowed me to hug her! It was so special, a moment that will be with me until my dying day. The perfect gift for an old man that will keep on giving!

We played, sang songs, and read books together, but mostly we did a lot of hugging!

14 comments:

PRH said...

As usual good family stuff...you and the FHB have fun this weekend. and don't buy too much.

Grandpa-Old Soldier said...

There is nothing like grandkids. My two are 2 and 1 1/2 yrs old. I see them everyday, and I would not trade it for the world. To me it is more fun being with them than it was to be with my own, or it could be I just don't remember that far back. She is a looker allright. Enjoy it, as you know they grow up fast

Buck said...

You're blessed to have your grandkids physically close to you, Mushy. Some of the best times in my life were when SN2 was on subs and would go out on patrol for 90 days at a time. My DIL would pack up the two (at the time) granddaughters and come stay with the wife and I while SN2 was at sea.... and this went on for two years. The grandbabies were three and 18 months old on his first deployment... and it was just GREAT to have 'em living with us for those short periods of time. And now they're grown... with kids of their own.

Time fades away...

fuzzbert_1999@yahoo.com said...

Thanks guys for you comments - yes, I realize all too well how time flies...it saddens me at times.

Unknown said...

She is so cute -- I can see why she's the best Xmas gift! The highlight of my THanksgiving week is being able to play with my nieces and nephews.

FHB said...

Man, that's wonderful! I know how much that means to you both. And just think, you get to go through it all over again, only the second time you'll have Lilly to break the ice with her new little sister. You're so very lucky. Blessed.

Sarge Charlie said...

Ok gramps, this is very cool

*Goddess* said...

Congrats! You've become the "A" set of Grandparents:)

Jose said...

Oh I know the feeling well. My grandkids all run to grandpa as soon as they see him, well all except one, so six out of seven is really good odds. But like you I hope to conquer this little boy soon. He is only a little over a year old and very shy. He actually cries when I get close, I think it's the beard that scares him. Oh and before you start, it's not me that scares him. lol

Sandi McBride said...

There is nothing more precious than our grandchildren...aren't we the luckiest humans on the earth???
Great post, and beautiful granddaughter!
Mine is 9...
Sandi

Scott from Oregon said...

Awwwwww. Now THAT'S MUSHY!!!

yellojkt said...

That is one cute kid, but I am nowhere near needing grandkids yet.

Suldog said...

Nothing melts a heart quicker than a little girl who loves you. My nieces gave me that for many years, and a younger one does still. Nice.

Anonymous said...

I love this post!