I always miss them, but never more so than at this time of year.
Memories of Christmases with my grandparents are among the most treasured for me. The pictures in my mind’s portfolio are as vivid all these many years since as they were then.
With two sets of grandparents, the celebrations alternated each year, but were remarkably the same at each house. They were busy gatherings with cousins, aunts and uncles, tables laden with all the delicious home-cooked food my German grandmothers could prepare. Always the ones in charge of the kitchen, they tossed gentle commands to the adults and affectionate asides to their boisterous grandkids as we ran from room to room and just generally got in the way.
My grandfathers, quiet, gentle men, had the best laps in the world and could often find space on them for more than one child. From there my cousins and I listened to stories and poems, wide-eyed and settled, at least for a moment or so.
I have been without my grandparents far longer than I was fortunate to have them in my life. But, I still see their smiles, still feel their hugs, still hear their endearments. So, at this special time of year, it seemed appropriate to acknowledge that special bond between a child and their grandparents with these wonderful photos:
