I am sure you have gathered from previous episodes, that Grandma (in her day) was a type A “in charge” kind of woman. Interestingly, my father was also a type A “in charge” sort of man. It is little wonder that, as their only offspring – I am decision challenged (I rarely got to make one) and the only “A” they passed onto me was my A positive blood type.
Grandma is sadly aware of her diminishing abilities to take charge of matters. She has surrendered her vehicle, stove, checkbook and now living quarters. She is usually resigned to accept our instructions, admonishment and counsel. It’s difficult for me too, as I remember the feisty, determined woman she was – even a short couple years ago. She would stand toe to toe with anyone and set them straight – while pointing her crooked, arthritic finger right in their face. Not so much anymore. Occasionally I can see that inner beast of hers wanting to come to the surface, but then she forgets what she wanted to say, or can’t find the right words to get it out. “Just never mind,” She spouts. It’s a great cover for her forgetfulness. (“I’ll just let them think I’m mad”).
With that said, I wish to report that every now and then – Grandma relapses into her former “in charge” self. I’m sure the dogs are accustomed to her mastery during their daytime hours with her. And who wouldn’t listen to someone who slips you part of her lunch every time the Meals on Wheels chow wagon comes by?
Grandma has assumed management of the living room. She maintains taut slip covers and winds up our computer cords daily. She comments to me that CeCe never puts her Snuggie away.
“Oh, CeCe plans to come back” I feign an excuse for her, “She likes to leave it out.” (Problem is, CeCe may not come back to this spot for a couple days). One night, as CeCe got up to go upstairs to her room, leaving the red Snuggie where she’d been, Grandma rolled her eyes at me.
“CeCe,” I said. “Would you please put your blanket away before you go to bed?” Now CeCe rolls her eyes at me and returns to retrieve the Snuggie.
As CeCe tosses the crumpled cover over the quilt rack, Grandma says, “You should fold it” (another eye roll from the young one). “I usually have to put it on the floor to get it folded right,” Grandma continues. I don’t doubt this for a minute (nor would anyone who has ever tried to fold one of these sleeved blankets). We obviously lack Grandma’s fortitude.
The other evening, DH and I left for the weekly meeting of our church small group. We’d be gone no longer than 2 hours and 15 minutes. Grandma usually retires about the time we leave, we told her we’d see her “in the morning”.
CeCe was home with her and later told us, every little while - Grandma would ask when we were going to be home or where we had gone.
“Bible Study Grandma. They’ll be home about 9”
As predicted, at 9:10 , we walked in the house from the garage, surprised to see Grandma standing in the kitchen doorway.
“Well there you are!” She huffed. “You left us alone… all by ourselves…. just the two of us. We didn’t know where you were. I thought you’d be home before now…. I finally got her to sleep.”
“Who?” I ask.
“In there…” Grandma motions to the living room where CeCe is reclined on the loveseat, sound asleep with the TV on (just like many other nights.)
“Mom, you aren’t CeCe’s babysitter” (I didn’t want to say that CeCe was hers) “She’s 15 – she babysits for other people’s kids. You didn’t need to stay up. Why didn’t you go to bed?”
“Well … I guess I will now..” and then mumble mumble mumble, as she goes down the stairs to her room.
The day is done. She's done her job. It's time for bed.
So ends Episode 10
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