Grandma Henke

Today some of us grannies went to lunch together at the Red Lobster.   We were all spiffied up in our going out to eat clothes … Levis and Nikes.   We fit in with all the other senior citizens who are in town to participate in the Huntsman World Senior Games that are held here in St. George yearly.  Well, at least we were dressed like the crowd … the five of us were not likely to be mistaken for athletes … not even senior ones.

I couldn’t help but compare myself to my Grandma who looked dressed up, even at home.    When she went anywhere she would even dress up more … a pretty dress, nylons, a handbag that matched her shoes, and a perky little hat on her head.   The finishing touch was a lacy handkerchief she tucked into her sleeve.     Grandpa always wore his suit and tie.

My grandparents were dignified and we treated them very respectfully, no running and screaming through their house or making messes.    In fact, when we went to visit them we dressed up!        Grandma always had cookies in her Red Riding Hood Cookie Jar and a carton of ice cream in her freezer.   She always offered us some, but we never asked ask for it before she did.    I think that is what has me so confused about my age.    It’s all different now.       There isn’t that big distinction anymore on how you are supposed to act and look when you get this age.     I keep thinking I should be sweet and tidy like Grandma,   My grandparents seemed mature and all together when they were my age.       I think I’m having an identity crisis.     I want both worlds.  I want to dress in my Levis and Nikes and be sweet and angelic like my Grandma.   When I mentioned to my sister that no one treats me with the dignity I deserve she laughed and said, “That’s because you’re not dignified and sweet.   You are everyone’s funny, favorite Aunt Edna and Grandma.”    I guess that will have to do … as long as I am loved.

My grand daughter, Kaitlyn, gave me this poem that she says reminds her of me.  I’d love to give credit to the author but I don’t know who it is.

Grandma’s Gone Computer

In the not too distant past … I remember very well -

Grandma’s tended to their knitting and their cookies were just swell.

They were always at the ready when you needed some advice,

And their sewing (I can tell you) was available – and nice.

Well, Grandma’s not deserted you, she dearly loves you still,

You just won’t find her cooking, but she’s right there at the till.

She thinks about you daily … you haven’t been forsook.

Your photos are quite hand in the Pentium notebook.

She cans your at work now though and combines it with cool sound,

To make electronic greetings.  She prints pictures by the pound.

She’s right there when you need her, you really aren’t alone.

She’s out now with her “puter pals” but she took her new cell phone.

You can also leave a message on her answering machine:

Or page her at the fun meet, she’s been there since eight fifteen.

Yes, the world’s a very different place, there is no doubt of that.

So “E” her from her web page, or join her in a chat.

She’s joined the electronic age and it really seems to suit her.

So don’t expect the same old gal, cause Grandma’s gone “Computer”.