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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: WORK OUT (05/20/21)
An Adventure and a Promise

They are two and five with hazel eyes, blonde hair and by a divine plan, share the same birthday. They are energetic, they are hopeful, they are magic. Grandma is fifty- five and although retirement is not too far off, I made the decision to trade a few less dollars for more time with “my girls”. For too long I have felt tired, burdened and longing for balance.

Thursdays are our time now and my girls arrive bright and early in pink unicorn and baby dancer pajamas, along with a backpack of tag along dolls, stuffed animals and books. On some Thursdays, Bexley is the captain of the hammock, as it swings back and forth while grandma and first mate Everly sing row, row your boat and are on the lookout for imaginary crocodiles and sharks. On other days, we take long strides stepping over giant sea turtles and leaping lizards that lurk in the backyard. Strolls in the woods where we look up at the blue sky through the trees, stretching our necks like giraffes and doing the work of breathing relaxes us and makes us giggle, releasing “happy fins” as Everly imitates a word she does not quite understand. We jump in muddy puddles and pedal small bikes or swings with energy that has stored itself up for such moments. We exercise listening skills and Bexley can name the “angel” birds from blue-jays by their calls alone and our vision too is exercised as we look for patterns in the clouds, nests in pine trees and amongst the shapes, printed words and pictures that live in their favorite story books. In our imagination, we climb beanstalks and fly on magic carpets. We pretend we are mermaids who can walk and unicorns that not only fly but run like the wind. We pretend to be Poppy, who does funny tricks and can also wait patiently for treats and small licks off of ice cream cones.

These are days well spent and most times, grandma will yawn as she smiles and waves goodbye, throwing a thousand kisses into the air. The day has been both an adventure and a promise, magical and hopeful, a call to work out body, mind and soul. These moments are restorative and balancing. Every day with my girls is a gift, one that helps me to recover from an upside-down world much like the warmth and comfort of gentle heat that eases sore muscles and tired backs.

I have always known that God would take care of me, and of us, whether in plenty or in need and that He can work out the challenges and the barriers that keep me from living a life of peace and gratitude. As scripture reminds me, I am running a race towards a heavenly reward. Times like this not only give me the momentum to keep moving forward but they also give to me respite, balance and the ability to see the magic turning, twisting and bending through nature, humanity and every moment granted to me whether big or small.

As I settle in to rest for the night and to recover from another busy day, I stretch my arms upward as the cool down has begun and I whisper, “thank you God”.
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This article has been read 377 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Laura Manley
05/29/21
This entry put a smile on my face. I am not only a grandmother but am blessed to be a great-grandmother as well. Your descriptions were outstanding. I am yet learning the "show" of writing and you certainly inspired me in that regard. You made a quote at the end of one sentence and put the quote marks before the period. That should be changed. Other than that, you have an outstanding entry here! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your writing.
Sue Botte 
05/30/21
I was there with all of you, especially in the woods. Thank you for sharing this treasure with us.
C D Swanson 
06/01/21
Beautifully expressed, and lovingly delivered.

Thank you for sharing your sweet "moments" and message with all of us.

Blessings~
Laurie Kiel 
06/03/21
You engaged me right away with the lovely phrase “they are energetic, they are hopeful, they are magic.” I know you are creating wonderful memories for these precious ones. I think this will be a prized memoir for them to read years from now. This was delightful to read.
Laurie Kiel 
06/03/21
You engaged me right away with the lovely phrase “they are energetic, they are hopeful, they are magic.” I know you are creating wonderful memories for these precious ones. I think this will be a prized memoir for them to read years from now. This was delightful to read.
Penny Neimiller 
06/06/21
Thank YOU Laurie! Being a Grandma too, I certainly can appreciate your article! and Thank GOD for HE certainly deserves all our praise!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
06/09/21
This is really sweet. I can relate as I wish I could spend more time with my granddaughters but cherish every second we do get together. Congratulations on ranking 2nd in your level and 12th overall. The highest rankings can be found on the message boards.