Among Friends

[Annabellethecat66]

I often take my teenage granddaughters (ages 15 and almost 16) out shoe shopping, makeup shopping and of course the book store for the day.

It averages out to a few times a month.  We go through the drive thru's (everyone likes something different) and sit in the car and talk and eat.

What's different about today?  Well my almost 16 year old granddaughter had her first 'kinda' date Friday evening.  I say kinda because she had to go with a few other couples but it was different because it was 'couples'.

We are a very open family where usually everyone knows everyone's business.  We aren't gossipy just nice things about each other.  So everyone knows she had her first kinda date.

I can't wait to hear from her what it was like.  Where they went and all about him.

As grandparents know it isn't easy these days keeping up with young people.  They're so busy and into so many things.

I've always put forth a lot of effort to (almost) bug my daughter about taking them to see their favorite movies, walk up and down the aisles of the DSW shoe warehouse and wait for up to almost 2 hours while they're picking out books.  

The rewards far surpasses any tiredness or frustration (i.e. "Grandma.  Do you like the pink lipstick or the red lipstick") I experience.

Yet, I've managed to stay calm and enjoy every minute of being with them.  I've managed NOT to fall asleep watching these teenage love (PG13) stories and give my advice, "Emme...your mom will never let you leave the house wearing bright red lipstick".....

Kept my cool so well I'm proud to say that on more than one occasion my granddaughters have come home over the years and said, "Mom!  Grandma is so nice!  She doesn't even get angry when the McDonald's guy gives us the wrong food".  Hummm??? That's when my daughter (who might be drinking something) fluid in her mouth..spits out said fluid...in total surprise...choaks...and says to me, "That's really great mom"!  

The times they are a' changing'...To all of you young grandparents of young grandchildren I say, "Hang in there.  Sit through those kiddie shows with your grandchildren.  Become a pain in the neck asking, "How about I take the kid to McDonald's this weekend?"

Don't let anyone brush you off.  Keep on volunteering.  When it really matters...when those grandchildren are in their tweens and teens...they'll really WANT to hang out with you because they do remember way back.

Mine know that they can be honest with me and I'm not judgmental.  They know their business stays with me.  The rule is unless it's something that might be harmful or I (key word I) think their parents need to know....the words spoken in that car (as we eat) stay in that car.

So many wonderful conversations.  So many teaching times over the years....

You know what I've learned....you're never too old (or too young) to learn....

I wish more old timers and young people knew that.

[lolakimono]

Sounds like a fun day!  Enjoy yourself @Annabellethecat66 .

[dex]

@Annabellethecat66@Sounds like you have achieved what you set out to do...a great relationship with your grandchildren.I think your outings sound like a lot of fun and I bet those girls look forward to them as much as you.I bet their friends are envious.

I wonder if you will hear all of the date details....that might be a little more personal than your gd is willing to disclose.

[GCR18]

That's great you have a relationship like that.  My niece is 15 and my mother and I are trying to drag the boy situation out of her.  LOL.  

[roxxy1]

@Annabellethecat66  I enjoyed reading your post.  I loved hanging out with my grandmother when I was a teen.  She was easy to talk with,  (easier than my mom).

We travelled alot together, and I cherish all my teenage years we spent together.

Even just sitting on my bed together chit chatting about anything.

Miss her ..............thanks for your post.  Brings back nice memories.  

[Kitlynn]

I think that is wonderful and I give you a standing ovation for being there for your Grands and enjoying the time you have with them. You are making memories that will stay with them for a life time. Enjoying every minute and being in the moment. Well played Grandma!!!

[hckynut]

Hey @Annabellethecat66, 

Enjoy your day. I'm with you on the "old and young alike can learn from each other". As you know, I have on kids that don't have 4 legs and fur, but I learn, and have learned, a lot from all 30+ of them over the decades.

Have a great day! I will too as I am going ice skating today. Usually strike up a conversation with at least 1 stranger on Family Skate Day. That to me is also a very interesting activity.

hckynut(john)

[NicksmomESQ]

@Annabellethecat66  Congrats!! You got it right!! How lucky those girls are to have you for a grandma!! And how lucky you are to have them !!

[QVCkitty1]

@Annabellethecat66, your granddaughters are so lucky. You brought up some nice memories for me. My grandma had issues, today they they would call it agoraphobia, she rarely left the house. However when I was very young she would watch me when my parents went to work. The elementary school was right next door.  I remember her reading to me, playing cards and learning to make pies, she was the best baker. We watched her stories together and I feel bad for the grandchildren who came later, because they only knew her as a fearful old woman, I got the best of her. She was smart and had a wicked sense of humor. Today here would be medication to help her. Thanks for jogging my memory.🌻

[Peaches McPhee]

This is absolutely wonderful, a great story.  You are giving your grandkids memories; when they are old and gray themselves, hopefully they will still be friends and can reminisce about their days with grandma.