Episode 57 - With every Christmas card I write

When last I blogged, I was preparing to tackle Grandma's "Christmas" gifts.  That was Thursday.  As soon as I posted that episode, I went downstairs and positioned Grandma at the kitchen island.  I had her write her name on the inside of each of the money holders I had purchased.  There were five cards.  It took ten minutes.  That was enough for one day.

The next day, we addressed the outside of the envelopes.  I wrote each couple's names on separate lines of a piece of notebook paper, gave her the stack of envelopes and said "Go for it."  She studied the paper for a moment and then proceeded to write the first grandchild and his wife's name on the envelope.  Knowing how long it took her to simply write "Grandma" ... I knew we were in for a longer session this time.  Not a problem... there was plenty of time before Christmas; however I became distracted (so easy to do 'in the kitchen' the days before Christmas).  A few moments later, I glanced over and saw she was writing the next grandson/wife's name directly under the first names on the same envelope.

Me:  Uh Mom... we have enough envelopes for each couple to have their own.

G:  What?

Me:  You need to use a new envelope with each name.

I grabbed a pen and drew a box around each line on the notebook paper.

Me:  Here.  Just put what's in the box on each envelope, then get a new one.  See?

G:  Oh... OK.

When we had our family gathering yesterday - I passed Grandma's envelopes out to the grandkids.  She barely noted their chorus of "Thank Yous" as she concentrated on opening her mountain of presents.  She did however, take delight in their hugs as they departed a few hours later. 

When "quiet" once again fell over the house, Grandma realized she hadn't eaten lunch and requested a salad for supper.  I fixed her one of my specials and she seated herself at the island to eat it. 

G:  I got to thinking... did we put any money in the kids' cards?

Me:  Yes we did.

G:  I wasn't sure.  I'm glad you remembered to do that.

Me:  I told you I had it covered.

G:  That's good.  I think we had a nice Christmas, don't you?

Me:  Yes I do... we had a very nice Christmas.

And to those reading... I hope you did also!

So ends Episode 57