In Search of Grateful

My grandson scoots into my lap with a board book he chose from the basket at the foot of the guest bed. Story time with DJ precedes an afternoon nap at Lulu’s Florida condo. Lulu is my grandma name. Following the lead of my peers, I chose this nickname in lieu of yesteryear’s old sounding grandparent titles. But from a two-and-a-half- year-old’s mouth, Lulu often comes out sounding like “woo-woo,” which I fear may stick.

DJ hands me a chunky, neon orange book with rainbow lettering. “Good choice,” I coo.

He squirms and wiggles and finally settles into the meat of my thighs, and then he taps on the vibrant cover. He’s ready! Invoking my brightest storyteller voice, I lean over my grandson’s fair head and recite the title page, The Thankful Book by Todd Parr.

My exuberant words send puffs of breath careening into DJ’s little-boy haircut. Wisps of fine golden hairs from the crown of his head float up and tickle my chin, lips and nose. I twinkle my nose like Samantha on Bewitched to banish the gossamer-like strands. DJ fidgets and presses his little torso into mine–a sign I’m taking too long to flip from the cover to first pages.

I read:

There are lots of things to be thankful for. Try to remember some of them every day!

With the pandemic in its deadliest surge yet, my Sarasota daughter and son-in-law are back to working from home. Day care and preschool are not safe options, so two days a week, DJ comes to Lulu’s. And for those two special days, I adapt to a different pace and schedule. Mostly, the two of us venture down to the pool, hand-in-hand, where we make vroom vroom sounds with dump trucks or car wash swishing noises with buckets and empty water bottles. Sometimes, we trek to the beach and jump in the waves, chase sea birds, craft sandcastles, and etch our names in the sand.

Every day I think about the things I am grateful for, I read next.

DJ points to the drawing on the opening page of a little boy in blue pants staring up at a single star in the sky. As my grandson chatters, I think about the board book’s simple opening message. Now, more than ever, the author’s basic advice rings true. Given all the challenges that each of us are facing, it’s important to examine and recognize what it is we can be grateful for.

I reread the opening line to DJ and quiz him about what he’s thankful for. As we discuss his mama, daddy, and new baby brother–for whom I’m grateful for, too–I cuddle with DJ and express how thankful I am for him coming over and playing outside with me today. He glances up, presents me with a quick, shy smile, and then his stubby little fingers force the next, thick page to flip open.

We read about being thankful for our senses, our special physical gifts, pets and friends, and hugs and kisses. As I prepare to recite the words on the final page, DJ’s chin sags to the neckline of his favorite, yellow “digger” shirt. More for myself than for my napping grandson, I deliver the closing line in a whisper.

I am thankful for holidays because they bring my family together.

I set aside The Thankful Book and place DJ’s stuffed puppy into the crook of his plump, little arm. He snuggles into the guest bed’s pillow, and I cover him with his favorite blue-and-white blankie. For a few more minutes, I lie next to my grandson’s sleeping form and listen to his steady, soft snores.

I reflect upon the final line of DJ’s naptime story: I am thankful for holidays because they bring my family together.

I will not be gathering with as much family as I’m accustomed to during the approaching holidays, but I’m nonetheless appreciative. I’m grateful for my growing family, for their continued health and safety, and for the hope of better days to come. And, I’m thankful for my days with DJ–albeit courtesy of the pandemic–days when I’m forced to slow down and consider life’s abundant and simple pleasures through the eyes of a young, inquisitive mind.

While I cannot predict whether the unintended gramma moniker, Woo-Woo, will replace the carefully chosen, Lulu, more importantly, I’m hoping that this time next year, I’ll be prepping epic family feasts (by then, the single basket of baby board books in the guest room will have multiplied into two or three!).

During the days ahead, may we all endeavor to name something to be grateful for, regardless of our circumstances.

Blessings, friends and neighbors, stay well!

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