I walk through the rooms in my silent home gathering treasures.
A doll dress and bonnet on a stool; papers, markers and crayons on the coffee table; pink and white plastic flowers twisted together in a bouquet; a plastic doll’s baby bottle; wooden popsicle sticks left over from a craft activity; containers of sparkles; so many other simple, yet magical, things.
And it’s so quiet.
I gather these things together and make a pile on the corner of the kitchen counter. One, two, three, four trips down the stairs to stow everything back in the plastic bins they were pulled from a week ago.
When it wasn’t so quiet.
Downstairs there are dolls scattered everywhere. Some resting from the gymnastics display we were treated to a few days ago. Others, well cared for and tended over the past week, look up at me as if to ask where their care-giver is this morning.
Because it’s so quiet in the house.
Outside, roofers have appeared at the neighbour’s house. Their chatter and the sound of shingles being removed from the roof break the silence. Our driveway is adorned with chalk drawings; a fairy swing made from twigs sits in the garden; glitter adorns the sidewalk and sparkles in the morning sun. There is no longer a pink bike and helmet near the garage and no little-girl chatter calls “Grandma! Come see this!”
And, despite chatter from the roofers working next door, it’s just so quiet.
There’s still a hippo in my bathroom. There’s an entire pile of assorted wild animals on the ledge of the bathtub as a matter of fact. I think I’ll leave them there for a few days as gentle memories.
Because it’s way too quiet.
I miss you already, Ladybug Girl.
Linda – That final photograph is well-beyond PRECIOUS!
It was fun fun fun!!
That darling grand-daughter left a foot print and a heart throb after she left. I hope she reads this!
I hope she does too, Marian!
Love this post, Linda! Until you get to say hello again to your precious Ladybug, you are surrounded by wonderful memories…
Memories, fairies, chalk drawings on the driveway, and magical glitter on the sidewalk, Mary Jo. Priceless!
Lovely. Summer is coming and more visits I hope.
I hope so too, Lynn! Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
I know exactly how you feel! And I love the way you say it. One of your best posts ever, Linda!
Oh, thanks so much, Shirley. I suspect many of us grandmother-types know the feeling oh so well. Bittersweet goodbyes, basking in memories, and anticipation of future fun times spent together. Sweet!
This is lovely, Linda. Though my grandsons don’t visit at my place much, I know exactly what you mean. Your bathtub pic is the most precious.
That bathtub episode was the most fun! There are more photos that I won’t be sharing that are simply a hoot!
Linda, this post goes right to my “Nana” heart! Precious Ladybug photos and memories to cherish until she returns. I can relate to every word. 🙂
We Grandma/Nana types are kindred spirits, aren’t we, Kathy. 🙂