Saying Goodbye

We painted ceramic figurines, Grandma and Mama and Granddaughter, while Grandpa watched and smiled.

We sent the Granddaughter on Secret Missions - sneaking up on her parents and kissing them on their knees and their noses.

We held the Grandson and tickled his belly and watched his 5 month old eyes take on depth and meaning.

We slept until there was movement above us, and stayed up until we couldn't keep our eyes open any more.

We watched kid tv and The Good Place and avoided MSNBC and CNN and any financial news.

We took Thomas the Wonder Dog on walks around the neighborhood, marveling at the decorations and the fact that Grandma could keep up with everyone, never needing to stop and rest her not-really-that-achy-anymore hip.

We basked in a dinner table filled with in-laws and out-laws and children of all ages and sizes.

Our hearts are full; it's a good thing that we don't have to pack them in our carry-ons.  They wouldn't fit.