The weather was just right, neither too hot nor too cold. We got there early enough that the crowds weren't unbearable and since the fire and remodeling a couple of years ago, the attraction was really up to date and interesting. There were alligators galore, along with shows every hour or so, a swamp walk, a train ride, and a Bird sanctuary walk that was absolutely perfect. All this for Florida resident prices of $9.99 for the day! What a bargain! Seriously!
I loved today. The girls and I haven't had a day with just us in a little while now. I've missed it. My granddaughters are growing up so quickly that I feel like I'm on a ride too fast for me. I need to hang on, slow down or just get off and it's not possible. The time train is zooming out of the station and on its route. Summer will be 9 in about 2 weeks and Hannah is already nearing 15 years old. I remember when Hannah's little embryo body was the size of a pinto bean. (we kept up with all the illustrations from the childbirth book.) I had just started community college when Holly got pregnant with her and I reconsidered going to school in case I was needed. I stayed in school an it all worked out. She was born and I still got my degree. Now Hannah's a teen and as much fun as I always dreamed she'd be. She listens when I speak about issues and shares her views. She makes me laugh with her quick dry wit and quirky sense of humor and laid back manner.
Summer is a ball of fun with curly blonde hair and, for the moment, a front toothless grin. She wants to try everything and has a blast doing it! "Wanna check out the Gator wrestling show? Sure! Wanna sit on an alligator's back? Oh, please, can I ? Can we get a snack? What time is lunch? Suzy, do you have a dollar for some M & M's? I wanna ride the train. I didn't know there was a water park. I wish I'd brought my bathing suit and a towel! Here are the white alligators--let's go in here. Oh Mommy, can I buy a bag of rocks? Will you stay at my house and play with me when we get home? Let's go outside and look at my swing and sand pile." Summer is excited about everything. She makes me stretch and extend my comfort level even when I'm a bit tired. I push so she has fun. It's good to push.
I can't help but compare my experiences with my grandmothers and my experience with my grands. I barely knew mine. They were in other states and we only made the pilgrimage a week or so every few years. Although they were kind to me, they knew little to nothing about me as an individual and were too old, or sick, (or something) to try to get to know me. Let's just say it wasn't a priority. Because I'd never known anything different than that, it didn't bother me. That's just the way it was. As I look back, though, I see that we all missed out on something that could have been priceless. They could have discovered my sense of humor, my interests and have gotten to know me. And I could have learned about them, their interests and I could have heard stories from years ago about my family heritage and history. What invaluable resources were lost because we didn't connect?
All I can do now is make a sincere effort to connect with my grandchildren. I listened to their school and family stories and their jokes. Today they listened and asked questions as I pointed out Orlando landmarks of where their grandfather and I went on our first date forty some years ago. It made me wish I'd known more about my grandparents early lives and their relationship. But all that is the proverbial water under the bridge. I must move on from where we are now.
Like today. Making memories. Hopefully making memories they will never forget. Memories that, if the Lord tarries, they will recount to their children, and who knows! Maybe my great-great grandchildren will someday hear the story of our trip to Gatorland today and what a fun day it was.
It could happen.
Father, thank you so much for our beautiful day today. The snowy egrets with their delicate lacy plumage, in the bird sanctuary, were breathtaking! I hope I never forget their pristine, white silhouettes against the dark brown water of the swamp and the gray of the sunning alligators. But mostly , thank you for precious time with my little girls who won't be little too much longer. I am so blessed by my family. I am fully blessed by each individual in it. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love you so very much.
Suz
