“Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation.” – Lois Wyse

June 30, 2022.

It’s 6 a.m. and I’m sitting at the dinette, watching the sun rise over Table Rock Lake. Our teenage granddaughter, Maeby, is sound asleep on the pull-out loveseat, snuggled deep inside a sleeping bag. She doesn’t seem to mind “living differently,” as one must do when one is in an RV. She’s known about RVs and camping ever since she was a baby, so the lack of space and virtually no privacy doesn’t seem to bother her. I’ve been with her a week now, and it’s like having Kate all over again.

Last Wednesday I drove to Hopkinsville (Kentucky) to be with Maeby while Kate and Bobby were at a travel ball tournament in Atlanta. Maeby, 14, is trying out for the high school volleyball team, and Kate needed me to take her to and from practice while she was away. Frankly, I was taken aback when I learned Maeby was trying out; I didn’t see her as athletically inclined, though I know she and Kate have been working out together for quite a while. She’s such a stellar artist that I forget she’s quite multi-faceted. Much like her mother.

On Sunday we drove back to our place in Arkansas, a little more than 300 miles away, and I’d say she’s having a pretty good time. She should. She’s at the lake. And as the saying goes, if you’re lucky enough to be at the lake, you’re lucky enough. She’s had a ball kayaking, taking long walks, driving the golf cart around and, in general, just being the center of attention. We’re blessed to be able to have this time with her, as well as help Kate out.

As you can imagine, we’ve had some interesting conversations over the past few days and, while I have seen a bit of sullen, teenage angst pop up a time or two, she’s been a sheer joy to have around. On some topics we’re on the same page, and on others we’re not. God’s an interesting one. And like most kids, she’s on her phone a lot, but not playing video games, thank God. Mimi (that’s me) has an aversion to that. She watches a lot of “how to” videos, mostly about drawing, volleyball, cooking and baking.

Food is an important thing in our family; indeed, all life is centered around it. Especially with company, conversations regarding the next meal often take place at the one previous. Food is love, and in that regard, Maeby has been indoctrinated. She loves to cook and is willing and excited to try new ways of doing it. Papa loves the Blackstone grill that came with this lot, so he’s teaching her how to use it. It’s a match made in heaven.

I’m so grateful that we’re able to have this time with our granddaughter, and what a time this is. Life is getting crazier by the day, and things like inflation, exorbitant gas prices, and bare shelves make tomorrow so uncertain. The Summer of ‘22 is a daily lesson in just being in the Now, staying in Today, and just being grateful.

When I got up this morning, the last thing I wanted to do was write, but I’m glad I did. Now we’re off to zip line 😳 That was Papa’s idea. Until next time, take care and have a fun and safe weekend this holiday weekend. Much love and long, warm hugs.♥️Maria

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