Many years ago I wrote a column about members of a band coming to visit and the joy of having a mountain of sneakers by the back door once again. The band stayed with us a few times when they had a gig in town eventually moving on to other ventures. The mat stayed clean and empty.
Twenty-five years later, we once again have shoes by the back door — a gentle hill of pink Crocs and sparkly tennis shoes. It’s a great feeling.
I was think the same thoughts when our grandchild comes to spend the night with us. He keeps his toys in our son’s (his dad’s) childhood bedroom, and it always warms my heart to think that room has hosted two generations. It also makes me happy to see toys and Legos all over the house again. Grandkids are a second chance to enjoy childhood again!
I feel the same way, Cindy, to see our granddaughters in the home where their dad grew up: playing with his toys and running down the backyard’s small hill the way he and Emma used to. I feel a deep sense of continuity, something not necessarily treasured or possible in today’s world of so much movement.