Florida, In Pictures.

Growing up they lived just over a mile from us.  We called them Mama and Big.  We still call them Mama and Big.  Grandparents of the best kind. . . grandparents who knew us.  Much like our kids have now, our grandparents were a part of our everyday life–family that extended beyond the walls of our home.

We all remember when they moved away.  We remember the way we sat on a curb and watched them drive away.  Tears streamed down our faces–my brother, sister, and I. . .and my Mom.  We watched their car drive away, knowing that a two minute drive would no longer put us in their driveway.  Miles and miles would separate us.

Florida seemed so far away.

The years marched on.  There were no computers then.  No email.  She became my pen pal.  My Grandma, Mama, she was my pen-pal.  I still remember the letter she wrote backward.  It was written in cursive and I was instructed, stand in front of a mirror to read.  I remember standing in the half-bath in our house and my Mom standing over my shoulder.  I remember holding that white sheet of paper with her perfect handwriting close to the mirror and laughing while I read her carefully written words.

Florida seemed so far away.

The years marched on.  We visited.  Letters continued.  Spring break trips during high school brought us scorched skin as my brother and I raced to see who could get the best tan line from our watches.  High school, college–the letters continued.  I flew down more times than I can count.  Traveled with family, best friends and boy-friend, (soon to be fiance’.)  I remember sitting with my Grandma (“Mama”) while Chad and I were dating and saying with certainty–I’m going to marry him.
It was a home away from home.  Their home–we always had a place there.  Single became married, letters turned to emails.  Phone calls were more frequent and then less, following the ebbs and flows of life.  Visits happened more and then less.  Chad came with me, in-laws joined, Charlie visited and Chanelle–everyone visited that home away from home.  The time finally came. . . It was Meadow’s turn.

Meadow took her first flight to a world that seems so far away. . .

 
And rocked it like I knew she would.

It has been a few years since I have seen my grandparents in person.  The ebbs and flows of life keep the miles between us, but not the love.

Our flight landed toward evening, so my sister and I thought it was vital that Meadow experience the beauty that the gulf has to offer.

Girlfriend had no problem learning the lay of the land. . . 

What is it about water that puts life into perspective?  What is it about the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore that washes all stress and strain away?  I stood there next to my sister and watched my littlest so present in every step and breathed in deep all the beauty that was right in front of me.  I couldn’t help but think–it just doesn’t get any better than this moment in time. . .

I could barely contain my excitement to see my Grandparents and introduce them to our littlest, who, as I had explained to them beforehand, is nothing short of an experience.

(I say secret prayers that some of my Grandmothers genes were extended to me because seriously no one would guess she’s eighty-eh hmm. I really do.)

After a short period of faux I’m shy I can’t look or talk to you, Meadow warmed right up.

I think it’s safe to say that they were smitten with Meadow and the feeling was very mutual. . .

The visit was short, but oh so sweet.  We filled every single second. . .

From a trip to the zoo. . .

Dinners out. . .

Taking in the scenery. . .

And of course we had to give Meadow the chance to dive deep into the lukewarm waters of the Florida coast. . .

Girlfriend is fearless.  F-E-A-R-L-E-S-S

Saying good-bye is never easy.  We do it quick as we swallow down the lumps that have settled into our throats.  It’s the way it has always been done.

Florida seems so far away.

One night after dinner my grandmother summed up Meadow perfectly.  As she stood watching Meadow sing care-freely on a busy sidewalk my Grandma said, you just can’t describe Meadow, you have to experience her.

That about says it.

The trip was wonderful and no matter how wonderful anything is, there is just never anyplace like home.

However cold and snowy home might be. . .

Have a wonderful weekend, Friends.

Oh yes, and if you’ve made it this far and are wondering–I did lose my license once, but it was recovered within two hours.  Another NYC experience was averted.