Grandmother and granddaughter without technology
Recently we were sitting in a crowded restaurant having lunch with some friends engaged in normal conversation.
I glanced about the restaurant and saw two people sitting at a table designed just for two. It might as well have been on a desert island or on a mountain top. The two persons sitting there were oblivious to their surroundings. Their eyes were locked in like an old Zenith AM radio when you find the correct station.
The two conversants were a grandmother and her granddaughter. Grandmother was pushing 70 years. There was a look of deep contentment and love on her face. Her eyes shone with the joy of love. The crow's feet around her eyes deepened as she laughed and talked. That was of little concern as she leaned forward in intimate conversation. She reached out, grasped the little girl's hands and patted them affectionately. The little girl also grasped and caressed the hands of her Grandmother.
At times her forehead turned to corduroy as she puzzled over a question. It became smooth as cotton as she laughed and responded. I could see that she was delighted to be in the company of the child. Grandmothers seem to have more time. Perhaps it is a matter of priority. We know it is.
The Granddaughter was pushing 12 years. She seemed to be delighted about dining out in a restaurant that did not serve fries and burgers in a paper sack. Her body language showed that she was proud to be in this adult setting that made her feel important and more mature. Even I could feel the warmth as she bathed in the spotlight of love shining from her Grandmother's eyes. She sat up straight, eyes riveted on her Grandmother; smile wider than outside; her giggle infectious. Her face shone like a teenager's car at the drive-in on Saturday night.
I wanted to move closer to hear what they were saying, but it would have been obscene to intrude on their reverie. I felt like a voyeur; such a loving tender moment. I thought of the many children who live without their grandparents. Too many children live in the same house with their parents, without attention and loving care. They long for love and affection. They could use a lot of Grandpa and Grandma in their lives.
Just a week earlier I saw a family of five sitting at a restaurant, each had his or her own electronic device, head down, isolated, in their own little world. No conversation, no connection, no concern except for self.
Then reality bumped my elbow, interrupted my daydreaming, and asked, "Larry, you didn't hear me but do you think the Hoosiers have a chance against Michigan next week?" I didn't care. I longed to be included in that other conversation with Grandmother and Granddaughter where important matters were being discussed - favorite toys, perhaps a boyfriend, school, soccer, chigger bites, baby sister, going to Disney Land and other plans for the summer. Significant stuff.
My website Larryvandeventer.com - Read about me, my books, and my columns. Larry Vandeventer grew up North of Calvertville on a farm and graduated from Worthington High School and Indiana State U. He can be reached at Goosecrick@aol.com or 317-839-7656.
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