Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The Honesty of a Child


















I was reading a new book to Andrew and after a few pages of the Wheels on the Truck I realized that it rhymed and went to the tune of the Wheels on the Bus. So I started to sing the words instead of just reading them. Then after I finished the 34 page [long] story [34 verses] Andrew, with a seriously disappointed face, said, "Grandma sings better than you." Oh, the sadness of disappointing your children....

These are the "papa's" as lovingly called by Peter. Yes, he even calls grandma, papa. Maybe we're the confused ones. But the other day I heard him call grandpa, "Daddy papa." Their church mission was interrupted by Peter's diagnosis. Grandma received an early release to come and rescue us. Poor grandpa had to finish up the mission without his companion. They were the Southern California Public Affairs Missionaries. Very busy mission.

I tease them that they are on their second mission. It's definitely a service mission. They are happy to help all they can. What a relief because we need a lot of help. They take turns with my duties of carpooling. They take turns with working my hours in preschool if I can't or watch Peter so I can be with Andrew. They go to an early Sunday Sacrament meeting-not their own, so I can go to church with the children while they stay with Peter. Then Grandma treats us with a wonderful Sunday dinner. It's always a treat! And if John & I need to be somewhere together then they watch Peter. And what a lucky boy. It's all play with the papa's. Andrew begs to go to the papa's home every day. Another lucky boy because he gets undivided attention, Happy Meals for lunch, and Slurpee's. See what I mean? I beg to go to the papa's home too.

Many people look towards their retirement years for a long awaited break, relaxation, more time to do the things you've always wanted to do. Doug and Kathy are asking, "retirement?"... They've never been busier. Sorry about that. I guess those are the blessings you get when you have children and grandchildren that adore you and live close by. We couldn't handle this trial without them. They are our mortal angels.

These are parents that don't disappoint.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's nice to have family that loves and supports so close by. You are very fortunate, indeed!!

Lizzy said...

Nola-It's Lizzy! What awesome "papa's" We are really missing ours down here. I love your frame. You sure have a great eye for finding something to turn into a treasure. And your projects always turn out beautiful. I am so glad to hear that Peter is making it through his chemo. What a trooper. You have such a positive attitude. I love your quote from General Conference. I also like this one from Elder Wirthlin, "Come what may, and love it." I am so glad you started a blog. It makes keeping in touch so easy. We will keep Peter and your family in our prayers.

Janice said...

Tony and I got a big kick out of your Andrew story. Hillarious, and all too familiar. We love the honesty of children and are called out a lot in our own family. I'm glad it doesn't only happen to us.

Tricia said...

hey Nola, I haven't been reading blogs lately but I just caught up! I'm really into facebook now too...anyway, I love the magnet board!!