A Recent Memory

My daughter Jenny and Granddaughter Lindsey visited this past weekend. (4/9 to 4/13/2009) It was great. Lindsey is 5, is unsure of her status and constantly seeks to establish her place. All kids do. She is moody, yet thoroughly engaging, as most kids are. She shows logic and wisdom that has always amazed me that little folks so young can possess such ideas. She shows great promise at problem solving and coming up with new solutions when presented questions or constraints to her progress. My daughter is amazing. Patience that I never had. Understanding of a child's needs and challenges beyond my capability to grasp. Where did this young women get such knowledge, certainly from her mother, because it sure isn't in my realm of conscious thought.

We enjoyed the visit. It was short. They always are. The weather was not very cooperative although we did have one nice day. Lindsey caught on to the bird feeding and took that task quite seriously although she wanted to get down and chase Al (the cat) between feeding station fillings. The first full night here she helped my carry the deer corn down to the ground feeding area. We were rewarded with two deer coming in and feeding on the corn we had just put out. It was a great moment and she was utterly enthralled by the creatures. She also enjoyed the birds visiting the bird feeders.

Jenny and I only got one evening to sit and visit. It was the last night of the visit. We talked for perhaps 3 - 4 hours. Where did this young, self-assured, capable woman come from. It is remarkable. She calls me Dad, what a privilege to be called Dad. She only has one. She may have some other father figures, but only one Dad and its me! We talked of her work. She is aggressive, opinionated, and enthusiastic about her job. What a treat that is. She even asked my opinion of things about her work, and has for a number of years. I wonder how many Dad's have their daughters asking for advice about the intricacies of her work, promotion strategy, and office politics. It certainly makes me proud to think she values my thoughts and advice.

I do not live close to my children. I am not in constant contact as some parents I know. A lady who works for me has a daughter in North Carolina, married to an enlisted man. They talk every day, perhaps several times a day. That would get in the way for me, and I think for Jenny. In the way of what I'm not sure, but I'm and independent cuss, and so is she. That is how she was raised, and that is best for her, I think. We often don't get to talk for a long time. When the phone rings at her home it is a signal for her kids to ask her questions and beg her attention. That will change. I'll be patient.

I love her deeply. She has become a self-sufficient, independent, woman of the world, a loving and patient mom and a loving caring wife. What greater accomplishments could a person wish for?

Graham's at Topinabee

Believe it or not there is a Village in Michigan called Topinabee. It is just outside of Indian River. Over 50 years ago when I traveled with my Mom & Dad down to my brother's home in Midland, MI we used to stop at this small restaurant called Graham's at Topinabee. It was a small family restaurant and we usually were there close to lunch time. The first time we stopped my Mother induced me into trying a cold chicken breast sandwich. It was wonderful, with slices of chicken breast, mayonnaise, lettuce on a nice white bread. I believe it came with chips, and I had a pop. For some reason it stuck in my head and I associate it with traveling to Midland, being with my Mom & Dad and visiting these small communities in somewhat out of the way places. It is perhaps what got me in the habit of looking for local "joints" to have a meal in. Usually they are nice, family run, and good folks trying to make a living without "working for the man." Graham's was special and I remember it fondly as a place that has warm memories of my folks and I traveling.