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
