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Monday, December 30, 2013

Words and pictures fail us


Another year. A new milestone.
We have a new member of the family, exactly eighteen years after Jasmine (above with her dad, my son Scott) was born. I thought I was too young to be a grandmother for Jasmine, too young and too busy to be a proper grandmother.

Now, I feel I am too old to be of much use. I don't have the physical stamina to help with the new baby's needs as my mother helped when she stayed with me when Brian was born.  I get tired easily; feel exhausted quickly.

Fortunately, baby Nico is an easy baby: eats and sleeps and coos when he's awake.

Pictures that try to capture the mood of the moment do just that; only, that mood can truly be a slippery thing. In the photo above, there were five of us walking toward a restaurant to meet the rest of the family for lunch. My daughter in law is a few steps ahead of me on the left, cropped out of this photo, and she and I are talking. In the second row, my grand daughter Jasmine. her father Scott and my husband (cropped) are also talking. Yes, Jasmine is texting, but contributing to the conversation as well. This was the last meal we had together with a dozen other relatives meeting in Gardena, Cal. for dim sum.

I look at irrelevant things when I look at pictures. Such as the outfit I was wearing that day, a comfortable thing to help me stay warm on the  plane ride back to Oregon from California. I remember worrying about that, how cold I'd be on that plane, and the discomfort I'd suffer if I wore tight shoes on long rides.

What this picture does not capture at all was the buoyancy and excitement having the entire extended family together, having a wonderful lunch and promising each other we'd stay in touch no matter what.  

20 comments:

Melissa Ann Goodwin said...

I love that sweater vest you are wearing. Wishing you a very Happy New Year and much enjoyment of your new grandchild.

Rian said...

Isn't it strange what a picture or an image or even a smell can bring back? Maybe age has it's impact too. Lately the smell of Vicks vapor rub brought back memories of me being a child... and comfort.

Vagabonde said...

Yes, another year – with its joy and pain, it’s almost gone now. I hope the New Year will bring you happiness, and with a new grandchild, there will be many happy times.
Pictures are important – I wish I had taken many more when I lived in Paris, but I take many now and enjoy looking at them. The year 2014 sounds good (better than 1914.)

joeh said...

Congratulations! I'm sure you will be needed for your wisdom if your energy wanes.

Rob-bear said...

Considering my health, I didn't think I would be much of a grandfather to my son's two kids. But I am somehow growing into the role.

Don't count yourself out too soon. I fatigue easily too, but the grandkids catch on. And I think anything you can do, now or later, will be helpful!

Blessings and Bear hugs!

Helen said...

You are wearing MY KIND of outfit! No matter your age or physical abilities ... your grandchildren are learning and will continue to learn so much from just knowing you! I understand the statement about looking at photos and not 'seeing' what was actually happening the second the camera clicked ... how folks were feeling. AND a very happy new year to you, Rosaria ... your entire family!

Brian Miller said...

smiles...it is very cool to have all the family together....i am at my parents home right now...4 families...on average 2-3 kids a family...its a mad house, in a very good way...smiles.

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

I know about the get tired part but I am not getting the photo thing. Are you posting any or just talking about posing pics. I only see a lady with a sweater!
Happy New Year:)

Big Dude said...

Thanks for becoming a follower

amalia said...

Auguri di un sereno Anno Nuovo

HAPPY NEW YEAR rosaria for you and your family

yaya said...

Congrats on your new family member! Whether you're active or not...Grandmas are special and have much to offer and can be great memory makers and reminders. Every pic is a stop in time. I used to hate to have my picture taken..still not that crazy about it. But it's me and I sure don't want my life to end without anyone having a pic to remember me..good or bad hair, dress, whatever! Happy New Year Rosaria!

Hilary said...

I love all of the things your snippet of a photo reveals.. or rather how you've described it. Congrats on the new grandchild. Rosaria you were neither too young for Jasmine nor too old for this one. As with every loving grandparent on the planet, you're just right.

Maggie May said...

Congratulations on the little one! There's nothing like family really though, is there?
Happy New Year.
Maggie x

Nuts in May

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Rosaria .. yes the joy of family connecting up, then the sweet sorrow of saying goodbye .. the being practical (that would be me too!) .. making sure I was comfortable for my return journey ..

Enjoy both your grandchildren - despite their age differences .. both sound quite delightful ..

Happy New Year - Hilary

Tom said...

But the photo is very realistic ... there's 18-year-old Jasmine focused on her smart phone!

the walking man said...

I am simply amazed at the teens who can multitask so well. Rosaria, we age be it through time or breakage like me, we age but we also learn to appreciate the small details others never think about. That is the trade off, comfort for physical ability.

Donna said...

Jasmine is a beauty for sure! Being a grandmother is the best! I'm with you, it's tiring....but SO rewarding! The memories when you leave are the stuff of movies. When the grands are here I think my life should be set to music...ha! Enjoy each moment no matter the outfit (I'm with you there too lol). happy New Year!

SG said...

Wish you a fulfilling year.. Every new year brings about moments of reflection, in fact more than my birthday. Perhaps it makes me feel better that this is a day billions find special, and somewhere I believe in the power of collective goodwill.

troutbirder said...

Indeed! I love going thru old pictures albums and now digital files to jog the memory and relive old feeling....:)

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