And many more

This time a year ago, I was sitting in a hospital waiting room, nervously eying the door to the labor and delivery ward where my daughter and son-in-law were preparing to welcome their firstborn, a boy. They had arrived at the hospital late the night before but persuaded me and Tom to get some rest before coming to the hospital to greet our first grandchild.

I had great anticipation that morning, but I realize now I had no idea the joy this baby would bring. His first birthday invites my mind to replay many moments of wonder and awe at the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

It poses an interesting question: If this first year of being a grandparent was this amazing, how much more enjoyable will be the years to come? And if one grandchild is this much fun, does each successive grandbaby multiply the delight by that much more?

The journey ahead beckons, and I marvel at the blessing of being on this road of grandparenthood.

Love in bloom

Something amazing is going on with hydrangeas this summer.

In years past, I can remember being happy if I coaxed even a half-dozen blooms from the large-leafed plant. I had carefully buried it 10 years ago at a corner of our house, nestled next to a downspout to ensure an extra drink whenever a heavy rain causes an overflow. Now it has more pink, blue and purple blossoms than I can count.

I know this plant is not the only hydrangea exploding with color this summer. I have taken notice of others around the neighborhood that are also in full flower.

My plant is special, though, as a reminder of my father. When he passed away, my best friend's family sent the hydrangea in a planter with their sympathy. I have never been one to visit grave sites to remember lost loved ones, but I always send a little greeting up to my dad in heaven when I spy his hydrangea.

With this summer's abundance of flowers, I have been able to keep a long-lasting display in a large vase on my kitchen counter, keeping thoughts of my dad even closer.

Weather or not

On this beautiful holiday morning, I can't help but think of a 4th of July years ago that remains one of my favorites, despite horrible weather.

As glorious as today is, that 4th was gloomy. It was rainy and unusually cold for early July, but we had made plans for an outing to Buckeye Lake, and we were not to be deterred. The "we" was me, Tom, Mandy and Ben, and my parents. It must have been 20 years ago, because I recall Mandy and Ben being about 10 and 6.

We gathered some snacks, loaded the cooler with drinks and headed east. It was not pleasant to be on the water in the steady drizzle, even under the boat's metal canopy, so we sought more pleasant surroundings down a canal to one of the lake's smaller dockside bars. The rain had kept most others away; there was just one other patron inside. But as often happened with my dad, it was someone he knew. We were not surprised when he greeted the man he had known from the first grade!

I was surprised, though, when my mom picked up a cue stick and started playing pool with my children. I don't think I had ever seen her play pool before that day, even though we had a table in the basement growing up, and I haven't seen her play since, even though we have a table in our basement. But playing pool was what the day called for to entertain her grandchildren, so that's what she did!

That long-ago Independence Day stands out for me because it showcased two endearing traits of my parents. Dad found friends wherever he went; Mom always focuses on her children and grandchildren.

Hot and sunny, today will be picture-perfect for another Buckeye Lake outing with Mom, and I'll be smiling as memories of a long-ago Fourth accompany us.