Saturday, August 10, 2013

"You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone"

Yep, my granddaughter was right. I’m missing her terribly now that she’s gone. 

Both granddaughters at the ticket counter the day of departure
In fact my heart aches a bit right now as we just came home from the airport after having the time of my life this summer with my granddaughter.
Isn’t it funny how songs, lyrics and music in general can mark memories?  This song and the cup game will definitely be remembered every time I hear “The Cup Song,”and it is one of many songs that will remind me of the incredible summer of 2013.

Crazy hat moments!
Our summer started out with a family wedding in Greece.  I haven’t had a chance to blog about the trip but it truly was incredible.  (Note to self ... blog about Mykonos).  

There were certain songs we heard constantly while in Mykonos celebrating the marriage of my brother-in-law. 
Here is one of my favorite clips from the wedding night.  My granddaughters couldn’t stop dancing.  In fact we all danced until 1:00 in the morning.  


 It was so much fun in such an incredibly beautiful place and it was an event our entire family will never forget. I mean seriously - how many people get to celebrate a marriage in Mykonos?  

You have to watch this video.  The song and memories stay in my head after watching I only wish I had a fraction of my granddaughters' energy!  Blurred Lines, Radioactive and Get Lucky are songs the girls call the wedding songs. Our hotel played music all around the social areas at our resort in Greece at all hours of the day and night so these songs became our wedding theme songs. (BTW, I haven't known popular tunes in years!!!)
We returned home only to have my granddaughters fly to the U.S. for the summer and my oldest granddaughter decided to stay with us rather than traveling around the south visiting relatives.  Her sister took a road trip and while I'm sad we didn't all spend time together, it gave me so much one-on-one time with my oldest granddaughter.

Krispy Kreme, A Classic Atlanta Moment
For the past month we've spent time with our granddaughter enjoying shopping, girl talk, slumber parties, dozens of rounds of Sorry and Yahtzee, sewing, craft projects, cooking and spa days.  During this time our granddaughter shared information about songs, dances, apps and trends I knew nothing about.  She also listened to stories about how things were when her Daddy was growing up. It was so amazing and wonderful to have so much time to spend with her and it makes me happy to know that I realized the moments were precious and few. Being able to recognize how tremendously special it was to have a granddaughter who actually wanted to be with us, helped me let go of all of the worries of the house and errands and the endless list of tasks in order to stop and enjoy her visit.





Seeing all of these photos as I put together this post made it hard not to get a bit weepy and yet my heart is full just thinking back over the summer and the rainy days that kept us indoors and the many hours we spent just being together. 
 
Today when we got home from the airport I looked around the house and remnants of the summer are everywhere – our bean art project, homemade glitter body splash, numerous art projects and so many other items that wouldn’t fit in her suitcase.
I never had a close relationship with a grandmother but I hope the things we did together and the memories we shared will stay with her for a lifetime. 
My granddaughter practiced singing and “playing” the cups every day so the cup song will be our theme song for this summer.  She was so right, we really do miss her when she’s gone.

Thank you my dear sweet and beautiful granddaughter.  This was truly one of the best summers of my life and it was all because of you. It meant the world to have you with us and I hope this summer was the first of many wonderful summers to follow.

I'm linking up with The Tablescaper to share what I've been doing this summer.

9 comments:

  1. Okay...I'm reading this and crying like a baby....I know how you must miss her...she is beautiful....she looks just like you....and how wonderful to have her all summer....We offered to have B here for the whole summer but her father wouldn't hear of it...infact he thinks daughter will be spending the two weeks with her when she comes...he has no idea that she will be flying back to NY to work after a few days....We are hoping as Sophie gets older she will request spending the summers with us....We are a fun bunch....grandpa has that race car and she loves the pool....Oh...and I'm the only person who will make her pancakes every single day....from scratch!!

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    1. Sue, The world is a better place because of grandmothers and grandfathers and Miss B will love making memories with you both. Seriously, how could you not enjoy a summer with the two of you! Now those are some fun memories just waiting to happen!!

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  2. I have a little lump in my throat as I can only imagine how much you will miss her! What a fun and fantastic summer you had! I know the joy of spending time with a Grandchild and I'm so glad I moved closer to Tiger and will have a chance to make so many memories with him. Sending you a big hug!!

    Linda

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  3. Hi, I found you over at Patty's blog Cottage on Lemon Lane. I loved your comment there so I had to pop over to meet you. I am so glad I did. Your post is so timely. I am going to be a grandmother this year...in October... My first. I was so content not having grandchildren ...but as soon as she told me I was filled with joy and over the moon happy. With 2 1/2 months to go I am so excited I can't stand it.
    Your girls are beautiful and the way you described your summer makes me all warm inside. I am now a new follower.
    Looking forward to getting to know you.

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  4. This is EXACTLY how I felt every single time I had to leave Ohio & my grandchildren to go back to FL & that is why we spent BIG $$$ to move back here! I know you cherish those memories & will hold them close to your heart until you can get together to make some more, Cheryl.
    I loved seeing your sweetie...she is a doll & I agree, she resembles you very much.
    Just like you, I did not have a close relationship with my grandmother. She was a stern taskmaster & I don't ever remember a single hug or a kiss from her in my entire life. Sad. I'm determined that isn't the way Ms. C. is going to remember ME!!!

    I look forward to hearing all about your trip to Greece. We've been & loved it...did all the tourist things, Rhodes, Mykonos, Athens (mostly museums & the Acropolis) beautiful Santorini...I did NOT ride the donkey up the hill! We also visit Turkey on that trip...Ephesus, where Paul wrote the Epistle to Ephesians. Wonderful memories!! I need to drag out those photos & scan them.

    Anyway, Welcome Home!

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  5. What a fabulous time for you and your granddaughter! I'm sure it made memories that you both will always remember in the years to come.

    Judy

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  6. It sounds like you have had a most amazing summer. I bet you do miss her!

    When you have a chance, link your travels to Greece to my Friday Link Party "Oh, the PLACES I've been!"

    Great to have you at Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  7. HI there,
    I haven't written a response but I'm still here reading. Your granddaughter is just precious. She looks about a year or so older than my daughter...but they are into all the same things...The Cup Song! Yes, my daughter practiced and sang it all summer and when I hear it I cry a little each time, too. It is a sweet, sweet song. Your post had me in tears today. Just thinking about the sweetness of life...and how fleeting it all is. That is why it is so important to savor all of the simple, day to day beauty that we share together. How great you are making such wonderful memories with her. You are both beautiful. xo

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  8. What a beautiful grand daughter. I do not like good byes, especially at airports, so hard to see them go.

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