Thursday, July 10, 2008

The Road Home


Soon, my wife and I will be taking a little trip south to see grandfather Bess. He's 89 years old and counting. I always enjoy my visits to North Carolina no matter how short and routine it may be. When I get home, we usually drive grandpa around town to see family and friends. He doesn't see them as often as he would like because most of them, including grandpa, no longer drive.

Then, we'll go over to Mr. Little's fish market. I went to high school with Mr. Little's son, David. Mr. Little gives me updates on how things are going with David and I'll listen and smile even though David and I were never really close in school. My grandfather will buy me a coke and we'll sit and talk to Mr. Little until they are both satisfied.

Then, we'll go back to the house. My aunts will have dinner ready and we'll talk until it's time for grandpa to go to bed. That's usually around 8 p.m.  On Sunday morning, I'll wake up and fix him some breakfast; He'll clean his plate and give me a compliment by telling me that I cook as good as a woman.  I'll laugh and tell him thanks for the compliment. 

Soon, I'll announce that it's time for us to head back to Maryland.  At this point, grandpa will estimate our time of arrival and wish us well.  Yes, it's all pretty short and routine, but I love it.  It's always good to visit home. 

Photo:  Bridge on Interstate 395 South.  By S. Bess

15 comments:

Sista GP said...

That's cool. My granny is 90 and is getting younger everyday.

Rethabile said...

I love his compliment: "You cook as good as a woman." Kudos to you for cooking, full-stop.

I cook all the time, and I must send some southern African recipes for you and my dear sister.

And she must send me some. Does she know how to make leqebekoane?

Geoffrey Philp said...

Safe travels, my friend.

Mickle in NZ said...

I posted a post of grateful thanks and wonderment

The ethernet here in NZ ate it

sending much love and care to you and yours,

thank you for posting words that inspire

love and huggles from Michelle the Mickle, and my beloved Zebby-cat

christina said...

Sounds like the most perfect trip to me. You and your wife travel safe, friend :)

Uhem... and take some pictures for me, I mean you : )

Lori Stewart Weidert said...

Beautiful. As always.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Sista gp-
That's cool. God bless her.

Rethabile-
Yeah, he has a way with words. :) Yes, send some of those recipes. You know, I've never seen my wife use recipes. I'll ask.

Geoffrey-
Thanks, Geoffrey.

Mickle-
Thanks for the love and kind words. I'll visit.

Christina-
Thanks. Yes, you know I have to get some pics. :)

Gnight-
Thank you and good to see your smile. :)

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

89
a blessing
my granny died at 89 in feb
a blessing

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

This post reminds me of those movies/ books about little boys growing up in America, a sweet slice of life.

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

Thanks for sharing your Grandpapa with us. My Grand parents on both sides have long since gone on home. This is very nice.

Enjoy your visit and cherish your Grandpapa.

Perhaps you will share a few photos upon your return?

lyre said...

I'm hosting my family reunion this year and we have 1 95 year old and 4 80 somethings and 3 70 somethings. Get those stories now and document them. i love ancestry.com but kfind one you like and document. Oh! and consider the DNA test for ancestry markers.

Stephen A. Bess said...

TStephens-
God bless her.

GG-
I have pictures to share about that sweet slice of life. I'll post soon.

Lyre-
It's a real blessing to have the elders around a little longer. There's so much to learn. Thanks for that info from ancestry.com.

Anonymous said...

I haven't been in south for nearly 30 years! The last time I went I was a small child. Be sure to post lots of photos.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Ruben-
Sure thing. Good to see you.

Anonymous said...

Reading this post reminds me of the simple moments I shared with my grandfather in the country. I remember when he reached a point in his life where he and his friends all stopped driving as well, and I would take him to visit them every now and then. With both my grandparents now deceased, I miss those moments that only the older generation can give. Things were done with a lot more patience and a lot more love back then; hopefully we all can strive to hold on to as much of it as we can.

Kei
http://therevealedoasis.blogspot.com

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