Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Two Pieces

We had a scare around here last week. Mr. C’s father had just picked Chicky up for their weekly sleepover and was driving back to his home when he started experiencing chest pains. He tried to fight them back but about 45 minutes after getting home he decided to call his doctor, who in turn called the ambulance for him. Luckily there was a neighbor who was home and was willing to watch Chicky until my Mother in Law got home from work and while my FIL was rushed to the hospital.

Turns out, everything is fine. After a battery of tests for my FIL there was no sign of a heart attack and Chicky had a fabulous day hanging out with the neighbor, a mother of four, eating PB&J sandwiches and taking a nap in a real big girl bed. When I finally heard about everything that had happened and was on my way to pick her up, Chicky had to be persuaded to leave, she was having such a great time with the neighbor’s six year old daughter, and my FIL was resting comfortably in a hospital bed in Boston. Still stuck in the ER, of course, but resting easier than he had been a few hours prior.

Mr. C’s father and Chicky have a wonderful relationship. Like many fathers, my FIL worked hard during his children’s early years and didn’t have as much time to spend with them so now he’s making up for it with his granddaughter. Since he’s now retired he has all the time in the world to lavish her with attention and she sucks it up like a sponge.

(And for the record, he’d be spending just as much time with his grandsons if they didn’t live 1500 miles away. He‘s got a lot of love to give.)

I think the bond between grandparent and grandchild is extremely important. I know my Mother in Law is looking forward to her retirement so that she can spend more time with her grandkids. She’s the type of person who will be down on the ground with them, looking for bugs and other critters. They’ll be making play dough and other crafty things that most days I just don’t have the patience for. As for Grandpa, he’ll be teaching the kids about science and showing them off to his friends, proud as a peacock. They're the best of friends. I can’t tell you how much that makes my heart burst with happiness. If anything would have happened to him Chicky’s life would not be as rich as it is today.

It’s easy to joke about how lucky Mr. C and I are, having two wonderful people who are so willing to take Chicky off our hands so often. But it’s my daughter, and someday my other daughter too, who will be the ones to really capitalize on this relationship.

We are all truly lucky.

Every day that Grandpa comes to pick up Chicky, or just comes to visit, her face breaks into the biggest smile as soon as she sees his car pull up. Grandpa’s here! And when he walks in the house, before even taking off his coat or acknowledging anyone else in the room, he’ll throw his arms out wide and wait for her to run to him for a giant hug.

How much does Grandpa love you? He’ll ask

Two pieces, she’ll say shyly, holding up two fingers.

I do love you to pieces.

There may as well not be anyone else in the world when they meet. Not that it matters to anyone looking on. It's magical. Those two pieces make everything whole.

35 comments:

Whirlwind said...

What a beautiful post! I'm glad to hear that he's alright.

Jenny, the Bloggess said...

1. I'm melting. "Two pieces." Melt.

2. YOUR BLOG IS LETTING ME POST A COMMENT!

3. I don't have a three but it looked sad with just 2 things.

Pendullum said...

Aah, Too pieces...
Two Pieces...
What magic...

Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah said...

I love this.

My inlaws are the same way. My kids are lucky to have such great grandparents.

Bon said...

tears in my eyes at "two pieces".

i was blessed with a grandmother like that, where there may as well have been no one else in the world when we were together. now i watch O with his grandparents and i see that grow and i am so, so grateful.

Fairly Odd Mother said...

OK, I am now a blubbering idiot.

My mom quit her part-time job to be around her grandchildren more. She believes that since my dad died, her 'purpose' in life is to be a grandma. It is a great arrangement for all involved.

My MIL, although she lives far away, is also very involved in their lives and makes an effort to see them a few times a years. I wish my FIL had the same dedication b/c I believe that HE is the one who is missing out on something really special.

And, I'm happy your FIL is ok. He sounds like a wonderful man.

Phoenix said...

Two pieces...gah that just kills me it's so cute.

I'm glad your FIL is okay.

Don Mills Diva said...

So glad your FIL is okay. Such a cute post - I never realized how strong the bond between kids and grandparents until I saw it firsthand - it's wonderful to behold.

OhTheJoys said...

I'm so glad he is okay.

I love that.. two pieces. Love that.

Cynical Nymph said...

Oh gosh, I miss my grandfather now. My mom could very well have written this entry.

I'm so happy for Chicky and her future sister :)

mamatulip said...

So sweet...

I'm glad Mr. Chicky's father is okay.

kittenpie said...

Damn, woman, now I'm getting all weepy at work. So glad it turned out okay.

Ali said...

aw....two pieces. love.

Heather said...

My dad is like that too. And says all the time how he's spending a lot more time with his grandkids than he got to spend with his own kids. But how lucky that he gets to spend this time with the grandkids!

Velma said...

So glad your FIL is okay - and yes, some in-laws are a blessing indeed. My in-laws are very busy and a bit further away, but man - they are a godsend to us. I attribute the health of my marriage (and whatever degree of sanity I possess) to my MIL taking the kids overnight for us.

flutter said...

Ohhhhh, chicky...

two pieces *sniffle*

Elleoz said...

That is the sweetest post ever! So glad that they have such a special bond and you have IL's in your life that are active participants.

I wish I could say the same about mine. Long story...posted on my blog if you are interested.

Two pieces...darling!

karengreeners said...

I'm smiling through tears right now. glad everybody is ok.

Sarahviz said...

Very relieved to hear he's okay.

Betsy, short for Elizabeth, formally known as Esther said...

So glad that all is well with FIL. It IS magical.

Anonymous said...

We had a similar scare with my FIL around Christmas- he ended up with an emergency quadruple bypass but no heart attack. Because we were so close to losing him, this hit home. So adorable. I need to tell me FIL how much I love and appreciate his role in my kids lives. Thank you for the reminder.

FENICLE said...

Wow, things like this make you remember to stop and think of all the blessings you do have.

Anonymous said...

In tears. I am never in tears. "To Pieces" brought me to my blogging knees. She will remember that always. My grandmother used to tell me she loved me "a bushel and a peck." It's a very old song and I still remember and know that she loved me a bushel and a peck.

But 'two piece' beats it all.

Girlplustwo said...

grandparents love is totally awesome.

motherbumper said...

VA-KLEMPT - please talk amongst yourselves while I stop my eyes from leaking (two pieces - to pieces - gah)

Blog Antagonist said...

You are so, so, so, so lucky. My in-laws live a scant 70 miles from us. We haven't seen them since Christmas. They haven't been to our home in over three years. And my kids are now old enough to understand that they are being ignored. Cherish those two. They will be more precious than gold to Chickie.

Avalon said...

Beautiful. My Grandmother was my best friend for much of my childhood. I miss that other piece now, but I'm so glad that Chicky and her soon-to-be-sister have their Grandpa.

Tania said...

My mom and daughter have the same type of relationship. I know that it is great for Pumpkin, but I would have to say that Pumpkin is 90% of my mom's reason for living. Mom is waaaaay happier now that she is a Grandma.

foop said...

Two pieces. Get OUTTA here with alla that cute!

Ms. Huis Herself said...

I was all like "two pieces? Huh?" And then it was "Awwwwww! To pieces! So cute!!!"

Daisy said...

What a beautiful story! They have a wonderful and very special relationship. Two pieces? So sweet.

Julie Marsh said...

Aw, I say that to the girls too (love them to pieces).

Sounds like a wonderful grandfather.

Anonymous said...

"I Love You Two Pieces" would make an EXCELLENT title for a children's book! What a sweet story, and I'm glad he was okay.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad the FIL is doing well. You can tell him there is a redneck out there who is going to totally start stealing his line and using it as her own.

The Chickybaby is a lucky little girl to have such awesome grandparents.

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