Wednesday, September 10, 2008

White Picket Fence

I promised my daughter-in-law Amanda that I would help her and my son finish painting their white picket fence in the front yard of their house. So far I've given them seven gallons of white paint and done some of the painting. I love spending time with Amanda, Micheal and Cordelia so I decided to honor my promise and help finish the job.

I went over to their house without calling and no one was home. I got out of my car and just started painting. I painted the small part of the fence that didn't have any paint on it. As I was putting a coat of white on the last of the unpainted wood my family pulled into the driveway.

When Cordelia saw me from her car seat a big smile came upon her face. I no longer wanted to paint, I just wanted to play with my grand daughter. Micheal saw that look on my face and took over the painting job. Amanda had to go to work and soon I was watching Cordelia by myself.
I forgot both my hats so our game of 'Where is Grandpa's Hat' couldn't be played.

Cordelia showed me all her new toys she got for her birthday and we played with them all.
As we played I realized Cordelia trusted me completely, never crying for her mom or dad.
Cordelia sat on my lap watching her father paint the fence for over a hour and was content.

I took her on three trips around the neighborhood in her new wagon and she never cried once for her parents.

When did I gain this little girl's trust? I don't know but it is a good feeling.

After Micheal was done painting for the day we went out to eat. Cordelia fell asleep in the car and wouldn't wake up in the restaurant, so she sleep in my arms as we ate.

When we got back to her house Micheal gently woke her so I could say goodbye.

As I drove off I thought there is nothing better than being a grand father.

3 comments:

Nardeeisms said...

Oh, so very sweet. You and my Dad are both templates for grandfathers...as they should be. Both Cordelia and "The Boy" (oops, I almost typed his name) should be grateful. Grateful indeed. I sure am. - Nards

Nardeeisms said...

Oh, so very sweet. You and my Dad are both templates for grandfathers...as they should be. Both Cordelia and "The Boy" (oops, I almost typed his name) should be grateful. Grateful indeed. I sure am. - Nards

Robert A Vollrath said...

Oops I doubled up your post!

I liked your comment so much I had to post it twice.

My favorite thing to write about are my grand children. Glad you liked the story.