17 September, 2012

Lessons I've Learned...

...from my Grandfather and my Grandchildren!

My grandparents had a chime that hung over the back door of their house painted with these words:
 "Vee get too soon oldtund too late schmart!"
I remember my grandfather explaining this to me, or trying to; I recall his words about looking back on days gone by and wondering where the time went. Back then I knew nothing more than the endless chain of tomorrows that spread before me. I didn't understand the concept of me growing old, nor being any smarter as a result! I was so consumed by all of the busy days when my own children were small that they passed at warp speed; before I even noticed, it seems, they were grown. I savor the todays now, when one of my grandchildren crawls into my lap with a book or a toy or a quilt (or all three!) there's nothing more important, there's no time more precious than right now! I'm different than I was as a mother; hopefully, an improved version. I don't worry about the details anymore, I don't have to. Nana keeps peanut butter with chocolate on the pantry shelf, something that this mother never would have done! I can look back on all of those yesterdays now and smile, I understand completely what my grandfather was telling me; I did get too soon oldt, but hopefully not  too late schmart!
Life is Good!

13 comments:

Quiltdivajulie said...

Amen - Amen - and AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

quiltkeemosabe said...

Having just learned the delicious-ness of the Jiff Hazelnut spreads in both the chocolate and the Cappucino Mocha flavors(and becoming a complete junkie) , I have just one thing to ask-----where did you find the Peanut Butter & white chocolate?????? I would hate to leave anything out!

Nane said...

If we could only slow one clock down and speed the other up. As you all know I am not a big chocolate fan...but have to say the mocha jif is yummy!

LizA. said...

My grandmother had that same sign hanging in her kitchen! There's a lot of truth in that saying......

Cheryl said...

Oh my....I think this may be one of my all time favorite posts. Very well spoken...and having both grandsons in my lap this morning laughing and being silly I totally am in agreement.

Sharon said...

I just tried that chocolate peanut butter! I bought it because they were out of Nutella! Boy is it good!

Little Penpen said...

Agree....agree! And for some reason, that is something we don't learn until we get 'there'!

Carol said...

What a wonderful, wonderful post! Thank you!

Ancestor Collector said...

First, I have never seen that peanut butter, but boy, you know I'm going to be looking for it now! Second, I know just what you mean about dropping everything for these little grandchildren. Just this morning, Brad and Julia asked to Skype....well, forget that I was planning to be out of the house early this morning. Nope, I sat right down at my computer and played peek-a-boo, blew kisses, and talked in all my funny Grammie voices. So good! At my house, I always have Swedish Fish because my favorite little boy loves them. He doesn't get much candy at home, but those little Halloween packs of fishies are a big hit here. "Grammie, do you have any fishies?"....of COURSE, I do!! :-)

45th Parallel Quilter said...

Wise, wise words ....

Janet O. said...

My parents used to say that to us all of the time--with that same accent. It sure makes sense now.
I don't like peanut butter--I just stock Nutella. : )

leigh anna said...

I keep it on my shelf too....I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not so much a fan of the honey one, or the dark chocolate one, but this white chocolate wonderful...is just that! :)

sandra said...

I thoroughly agree with what you have written Mrs Goodneedle! I have also learnt the same thing since having grandchildren. And for that reason i think I am a better grandma than mother.