Gather and Nest

I learned the day after giving birth

that my grandmother was in the hospital in hospice care.

I spoke with her on the phone

and she saw a picture of her fifth great grandchild

and of course, said she didn’t like her name.

It’s okay. I expected it. It made me smile.

The day we brought one new life home to begin her adventures in this world

my grandmother passed on.

Such is the cycle of life.

The things I will one day share with my daughter that I learned from my grandmother:

Have fun. Go to the party. Dance.

Summer days are for the shore, taking a dip in the pool or sitting in front of a fan.

Don’t worry what other people think.

Ice cream is a food group.

If you’re hungry, eat lunch at 11 o’clock…especially if it’s ice cream.

Don’t worry if you get a spot on your shirt. It happens.

It’s okay not to wear underwear to bed under your night gown.

Staying up late and watching scary movies is a fun thing to do.

Hide candy and cookies around your house in secret places, you never know when you’ll need them.

Buy it. You can return it.

Say what you think. Don’t be afraid to ask for something.

Tell it like it is.

Laugh.