I have tried Oil of Olay for my face, Ive considered a Wonder Bra for my body, but to get a permanent lift to my spirit, nothing equals traveling with grandchildren. My four grandsons have prompted me to go places only dreamed of and to have adventures that had never before even crossed my mind. As long as we keep taking trips, its for sure that Ill never die from falling out of a rocking chair.
Since turning fifty, I have been white water rafting in Colorado and Montana. I timorously parasailed in Cozumel and fervently alpine sledded at Winter Park. I have been to Astroworld, Sea World and Disney World, Hershey Park, Cypress Gardens, and Six Flags over both Texas and Georgia. I have ridden on roller coasters and frolicked in plastic balls. I have been ducked, splashed, sprayed, and squirted with water. We have explored zoos in every major city. We have driven over a glacier and across a desert. We have been transported by ski lift, monorail, subway, airplane, train, boat and automobile.
Fiercely protesting that I am afraid of heights, I actually walked on the glass floor at the top of the CN Tower in Toronto, the worlds tallest building.. I dined both at the top of the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio and the Space Needle in Seattle. I am having a blast. No one says,"Look at that silly old woman making a fool of herself." Instead I hear, "You boys sure are lucky to have a grandmother who does such fun things with you."
It has been a marvelous learning experience for me. I have learned to see things from a different perspective. The oldest, then just three years old, delighted in going to the Houston Zoo. There is a large petting zoo where children can interact with all kinds of unusual animals: camels, mountain goats, large tortoises. But what was his favorite activity? Hand feeding popcorn to native squirrels who lived in the trees. I learned that anything can be interesting if you see it up close and personal.
On another long trip to the zoo with three grandsons, they found an unusual egg laying on the ground near the duck pond. They were sure it was misplaced, so we had to trek all the way back to the petting zoo, so the egg could be put in the incubator. I learned to care.
At the beach, they found all kinds of tiny shells that I would have never noticed. Maybe it is because they are closer to the ground. I learned to look for beauty in small things.
I have learned that roller coasters are more fun if you scream. Facing your fears makes you stronger. Water all over you is refreshing, even with your clothes on. Some rides are worth standing in line for. Always push your own expectations higher; you might reach them. Any adventure shared is more enjoyable. Planning is part of the fun.
My only regret is that they are getting older and no longer have time for trips with grandmother. But I am not giving up? No way! The oldest is now in the Army. I had already visited him on base in San Angelo, Texas and Monterey, California, when his orders came to go to England. Guess where grandma went on vacation last year? The Yorkshire Dales were really lovely in April. As we scrambled down to get a better view of a beck (creek), and I was laboriously climbing over logs and jumping rivulets, I asked him, "Will there ever come a time when you realize that I am getting too old to keep up with you on these jaunts?"
He looked back at me with a puzzled expression and replied, "Why?" Why, indeed! As long as there are grandchildren to travel with, Ill never rust out.