(with thanks to Nina Simone) ... Oscar spent celebrating his first 6 months on this planet with a man who has spent over 98 YEARS here: our beloved Pappy. We packed up the family on Thursday and drove to Atlanta for a four-day family fest. Our ships crossed paths briefly with Nana and GrandBob and my Aunt Connie and Uncle Jim, then Saturday and Sunday morning were spent with Pappy out on the town in Atlanta. Pappy took us on a driving tour of the area, including the first house he purchased after the War for $10,000 in Decatur, and then their second house a few blocks over, and his old professorial haunt of Emory University. We spent the time reminiscing, eating, and just taking it all in. I was so happy that Annie got to see her Pappy again since the last time she saw him she was just shy of 2 years. Oscar took to Pappy like a fly to honey (excuse the simile, I have clearly spent too much time in Georgia) slathering him with warm smiles and coos. Let's just put it this way, we had a very hard time putting that car in Drive when it was time to go. Luckily we took a signed copy of his book of poems with us to help ease the separation.
Oscar and Annie were champs on the over 8-9 hour stretches in the car both ways. I was happily surprised that only one viewing of "Chrysanthemum" and "Owen" were required on the way down and none on the way back. The pit stops involving ice cream seemed to help the most. Well, for Annie and me, at least. Oscar preferred a different dairy product but was a trooper just the same. Word to all parents of children out there: get a hotel room with separate bedrooms. It was so nice to put the kids to bed and be able to stay up past 7. What a treat, although truth be told, we probably would have had no problem going to bed that early.
All in all, I am grateful to have a grandfather as wise and kind as Pappy, and even more so to see my children get to know him. I get misty just thinking about our time with him, but it's a happy mist. We love you, Pap.
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