Grandchildren

Charlotte, Henry, Will, Mattie, Andy, and Jack

Wrightsville Beach, Summer 2011

It’s hard to believe that there could be any creature more amazing than your own child.  You live with that certainty for years, and then one day a grandchild comes along and deepens  your understanding of what “amazing” really is.   Your very own child is your heart. The child of your very own child is the heart of your heart.  Watching him or her is watching your child again for the first time. What you see is so familiar and similar and yet so unique and new.  The baby is like a prism, through which myriad family traits refract and bend and reveal themselves- grandpa’s chin, mama’s eyes, daddy’s furrowed brow, sister’s fair complexion, brother’s temper.  The light shifts; the view is altered; the baby grows and changes and amazes. 

These little rhymes reflect a tiny spec of what I see in the prisms that are my grandchildren, viewed through the eyes of a grandmother.   Each continues to grow and change and yet each remains child of my child, heart of my heart. 

CHARLOTTE RAE When Charlotte Rae comes out to play She wears a smile that spreads a mile Across her face. Charlotte Rae with eyes of blue And hair bow just a bit askew Will melt your heart When she grins at you. Charlotte has a button nose And likes to wiggle all her toes. She thinks it is a special treat To kick her socks right off her feet. Charlotte’s patient, Charlotte’s kind But she will surely speak her mind If Henry hugs a bit too tight Or she wakes up hungry in the night. Charlotte Rae is one big flirt She bats her eyes and swishes her skirt, And causes all the little boys To turn their heads and drop their toys. Charlotte Rae will have some fun But she’ll let you know when she is done. After all, She’s almost one. JOHN WILSON John Wilson, or Jack, as he is known Can talk to you like he is grown. He’ll point his finger and explain In terms so clear and words so plain. With his dark brown eyes and furrowed brow I forget for the moment, I don’t know how, That in spite of the way he speaks to me This little boy is only three. Jack likes to help and he’ll work hard At daddy’s side to mow the yard. He shops with mother at the store And likes to do most any chore. He plays with his toys around the house And watches Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse. He hangs out with little brother Andy And he loves Skittles and M and M candy. Here’s a secret you should know: Jack likes his serious side to show; But, if you tickle him he’ll giggle, Laugh out loud, and start to wiggle. That is when I’ll steal my hug From this little cuddle bug. WILLIAM TODD, JR. Will Stillerman will soon turn 4; He’s not a baby anymore. He’s learned his letters and his numbers too, And he can count anything out for you. Will is strong and he is fast! Watch him speed as he runs past All the other kids of three, And four, and five and six…and me! Will lights up whenever you play Any song by Roger Day. He’ll sing out loud that “It’s a no-no For anyone to kiss a Rhino.” Will ‘s  a good sport and likes to play. He’s happy to do things Mattie’s way; But if his heart is just not in it, He’ll tell you “No” in a Texas minute.  Will is sweet and he is shy. He’ll duck his head and cock his eye. When he peers through tousled bangs at me, I hug him tight and wish he’d stay three.

ANDERSON THOMAS Anderson who just turned one Can crawl as fast as I can run. His honey curls and eyes so bright Will make you want to squeeze him tight; But, you had better hold him fast And get some kisses while they last, Before he’s off across the floor To find more places to explore. Andy is a man of action In his bare feet he gets traction. Up to lofty heights he goes Which keeps his mother on her toes. Andy’s busy as can be. He has no time to humor me; But, I will steal a little hug As he speeds by me on the rug. Andy’s calm and sweet and fair, With rosy cheeks and curly hair. Come on in and take a peep, Little Andy is asleep. HENRY KENDRICK Henry Kendrick could win a prize With his long thick lashes and his big blue eyes. He’s three years old and smart as can be, And he always has a hug for me. Henry’s learned his songs and stories by heart. He can tell them to you from finish to start. One’s a Halloween tale with moans and groans, And a refrain to “ shake, shake, shake them bones!” School is a place that Henry enjoys. He likes to play with the girls and boys. Amanda is his best “gril” friend And he’s faithful to her to the end. But he’s glad to come home at the end of the day, To Momma and Daddy and Charlotte Rae. And when dinner is over and stories are read, He’ll cuddle up with Teddy and go to bed. Henry is tender and he is kind And even when he forgets to mind All you have to do is ask And he will get right back on task. MATTIE KATHERINE Mattie Katherine has it made. She’s just tuned seven and is in first grade. She’s good at soccer and choir and ballet And does her homework every day. She loves her teacher and her friends at school And tries to follow every rule. She is learning to count and read and write And studies about Egypt and the stars in the night. Mattie’s heart is made of gold. She cares about others who are hungry and cold. She walks for hunger and does all she can To help the world and her fellow (wo)man. Mattie knows how to act and dress Like one of Disney’s Princesses. She likes Snow White and Rapunzel and Belle But her all-time favorite is Ariel. Mattie has green eyes that twinkle and glow And a smile so warm it could melt the snow. She’s growing up, that’s plain to see But she’ll always have a hug for her E-Dad and me.