It's been 22 years this month since I came home from buying material to make a Christmas Tree Skirt and found Grandpa and Mom sitting in my living room - they didn't need to say anything and all I could say was "No". I've missed you since that moment. The material still sits packed away.
First, I want you to know - the baby was a girl - like you told me you wished just a few days before that day. Oh how I didn't want to get off the phone with you, I only hope I was able to let you know how very much I love you. And wished all those thousands of miles did not separate us at that time.
Sadly, not long after that beautiful baby girl was born, my marriage ended. It was hard being a young, single Mother of 2 children under 3 but I did manage to finish school and work in the Accounting field.
Zachary enjoyed Cub Scouts, reading - especially Goosebumps, video games and traveling with his Grandpa all over the US during the summers of his childhood. He's a bit shy and quiet but has some close friends and is very easy going. I can't believe he is 23 and working and getting ready to get back into college next semester. He is still very much into video games and his laptop but has managed to come out from those long enough to find a girlfriend.
Ashley was a bit more of a free spirit - always smiling and finding humor in situations. While she was a bit more hands on she also is very outgoing and enjoyed many activities like Girl Scouts, Basketball, Soccer, Cheerleading - she even got the lead in a play one year. She has moved out to Las Vegas to pursue her dream of becoming a Make-Up Artist but found her love of animals has her working in a Veterinarian's office and thinking of going back to school. She is 21 - very pretty and still with that smile and humor.
I want you to know that I wasn't a single Mom forever - I did find love and got married once again. He is a hard worker, he is a Journeyman Toolmaker with the same company since he was 16. A good provider he works a lot - sometimes everyday for weeks. He is a bit rough around the edges, a big guy at 6' 6" I feel there is nothing he can't lift...or fix. We enjoyed taking Sunday road trips, camping and seeking out Lighthouses in our early days - now our activities seem to focus on the kids with some camping thrown in for good measure.
Yes, I've had more children. First came Montana Skye - you know your love of the Mountains - me too. All those summers spent in Salt Lake City after you moved back out there, you passed the love of them onto me. So there was no question in what her name would be. She will be 10 years old soon and loves to talk. Remember when I was little and Grandpa said my "mouth goes like a Whippoorwill's behind" only he didn't use the word behind like I was told to? Well I guess I passed that on to her. She is silly and loves to read - just like I always had a book in my hand, she does also. She loves to read scary stories and about dogs and gemstones. She isn't much for athletics but does enjoy Girl Scouts and has been a top Cookie Seller several years, just like her older sister.
And last but certainly not least, there is Aidan. What can I say about this "all boy" 6 year old? He is noisy, boucey and I totally believe God gave him a great sense of humor to save him from the mischief he gets into. He likes to play sports, is in Cub Scouts and seems to have a knack for Math. He likes to make up dances so I'm thinking of putting him in some Hip Hop classes. He also jams out on the guitar on the video game series, Guitar Hero. He likes Pink, Queen and Metallica the best. He thinks of himself as a "rocker" boy and there isn't a Temporary Tattoo he will pass up.
I tell them about you too Grandma. I talk about how I felt uncondional love from you, how I remember laying with my head in your lap as you read to me. I remember making cut out Christmas cookies and flour everywhere. I tell them about going to the theater on State Street that Uncle Bob owned & you managed and how cool I thought it was to get to go BEHIND the candy counter and watch the movie as many times I'd like, see the projection room and where the popcorn was popped - upstairs in the old theater. I tell them I haven't had a Sunny Side Up egg since you made me one as no one could make them like you and haven't had a decent slice of garlic bread since then either. And how you taught me to form my mashed potatoes into a "birds nest" for the gravy. I tell them about going to Temple Square and day trips up in the Mountains with you. How you listened to old radio programs at night. And that you were taking care of me when we got snowed in for days when a big snowstorm rolled into Milwaukee.
I tell them many memories but I can't convey how you laughed or how you sounded reading to me but I remember, Grandma. I remember you tap dancing in your slippers. I remember going to the grocery store with you and getting to pick out a treat. I remember big things and small things every day. I have missed you each of those days and I love you as I always have.
All My Love,
Carrie
A letter prompted by Day 4s "The Other Kind of Letter". It was sad to write as I wish she could know these things for herself. Bits & pieces have been floating around my head for a few days and I didn't expect to get so emotional as I sat down to type it but happy I now have a sense of my children and Grandma all in one letter ready to printed and made into a scrap page for someone down the line to (hopefully) read.
Thanks for stopping by!
Today is going to be about making some dessert I've been craving. Hmmm. ;)
