It is early in the morning on a Wednesday, the third day of her spring break, when she comes downstairs to the living room, where I am sitting checking my emails. The time is just after seven AM, and she is not normally up this early, but today must be something special.
Having just turned seven years old, she is just in the first grade, and has never experienced what school had to offer, as far as school vacations, holidays etc. Day care centers, where she had been for the first part of her life so far, never had breaks and sessions, this was something entirely new for her. But because both parents had to work, I had the joyful opportunity to care for her during the day this week, and a major part of that responsibility was planning fun activities for both of us to do.
I distinctly remember my wife telling me of the great escapades that her and her Grandpa would go on. To her, he was the greatest Grandpa ever. He would take her places and allow her to do most anything that she wanted, as long as she was safe, and not in any danger. Sometimes those things had to be kept secret between them, so Grandma would not find out. Like the time he let her drive the car when she was twelve, and she had so much fun.
She had many fond memories of the times she spent with him, and although she is now in her early sixties, and he has long since passed away, she still keeps those memories close to her heart. It is her fondness of him, and everlasting recollections of their time together, that fosters me to cherish the things I do with my Grandaughter daily.
So here she stands facing me with anticipation of what the new day will bring. Hair combed, teeth brushed, she had everything ready but the shoes and socks. Which, of course, would be the clincher of delay. Seems that she can't seem to find a matching pair. So.....comes Grandpa to the rescue. Now you must know that my Grandaughter is not a fashion follower, but a fashion setter. She conforms to no one, and sets her own style no matter what anyone else thinks, so it was no wonder, that the white and green socks, with the snow flakes on the sides, was what she was wearing today. But Grandpa's don't argue, we just go with the flow. Saves time, energy, and keeps the happy emotions in check.
She knew she was going to Midevial Times today for the eleven o'clock show, and she could not wait to get there. She had never been there before, but she knew all about it from her friends who had told her what to expect. As we left the house and approached my truck, she reached up and grabbed my hand for the short walk. She opened the door and jumped inside and buckled herself up.
The ride took about an hour to get there, and even though we arrived at nine-thirty, there were already about a hundred people in line, and busses were now pulling into the huge parking lot. Seems that we weren't the only ones on spring break. Once inside, it was amazing how many concessions stands there were selling all kinds of Royal gear and trinkets. Surprisingly, she wanted nothing, and so we waited another hour before they let us in and sat us at our table. But as we entered the premise, we were wisked off to stand beside the King for a photograph session, as was everyone else.
The table had place settings for lunch, and a goblet for drink, along with a paper crown. We were sitting in the Black and White Knight's section. My Grandaughter is somewhat bashful, and although Grandpa wore his crown, she wanted no part of it.
As the show began, and the lighting grew dim, while the music created the illusion of suspense. I asked he if she was scared, and she replied that she was... a little. But, after seeing the horses, the Knights, the King and the Queen, she somewhat settled in and focused intensely on the show. I could tell when she was frightened though, as she would get closer to me and grab my hand, while feeling a little more secure.
During the show one of the staff came by with a beautifully framed picture of the two of us with the King. Of course I could not pass it up, and readily handed over my scarce funds. However, when the show was over, and it was time to leave, my Grandaughter made sure that she took the picture, along with her paper crown.
During the ride home, as I glanced in the rear view mirror, I could see her wearing the crown and closely studying the picture, carefully examining every aspect. I am sure she was going over, in her mind, the sights and sounds of the jousting, the battles, the winners and the losers, and the fun she had with her Grandpa today. Tonight will bring to her the dreams that will last a lifetime, and someday she too will be telling her husband and children about her Grandpa, and the things they used to do together.
