Hearts

Two years ago I began a Pandora travel bracelet.  My first charm, the Eiffel Tower, was delightedly and unexpectedly found at a store next to The Louvre.  I had been dreaming of starting the bracelet to help me remember my travels, and was thus excited to find charm number one.  As time went by, it was lots of fun for both hubby and me to search for each Pandora store as we traveled from place to place.  It was not long and the bracelet was nearly filled.  The charm in the middle was purchased at Water Tower Place in Chicago and indicates our home base. On either side, there are two heart-shaped charms symbolizing hubby and myself.  Engraved on the back are the words, "I love traveling the world with you".  These were purchased on Grand Bahama Island after a scary medical crisis on a cruise ship.

I truly enjoy my Pandora bracelet.  Recently, after spending two weeks with my little three-year-old grandson, I love it even more for it will always remind me of him.

This little boy's name begins with the letter E and I will gladly tell you that he is energetic, exuberant and also exceptionally beautiful, loving and playful.  Being a middle child, he has especially loved the attention that this grandma has always enjoyed giving.  He is the baby who would run up to me waiting to be picked up and held every time I saw him.  He is the toddler who snuggled in bed with grandma when his new baby sister was born and mommy and daddy were not home.  He is the little boy who now sits on my lap with a storybook for us to share.  This child is often on the move, and thus when he stops for time with grandma, it is very special.

His family recently moved some distance from us and I hadn't seen him for six months.  When we arrived late one evening, his bright smile greeted me even though time and distance had separated us.  Day by day passed and we got to know each other again. 

One day I wore my bracelet.  As you can imagine, my little grandson was very intrigued by it and he began looking at all the charms.  I thought he would be interested in the London bus, or the camel from Dubai, or maybe the teeny cruise ship.  But, he focused on the two hearts and inquired about them.  I told him that the two hearts were for Grandma and Grandpa.  

Then my little boy said, "Where's my heart Grandma?"

He stopped me in my tracks.  What a profound question from a little tiny boy? It made me think of how much love has flowed between us in just three and a half short years.  I thought of his mischievous face that always, always has a huge smile on it.  I thought of the first day I met him.  He was so small and cuddly and I fell instantly in love.  And now when I least expected it, my little guy had proven to be a philosopher too! 

I know this grandma is getting carried away with emotion now.  But oh the love there is to be shared between grandparents and their grandchildren.  Each child is so unique, with all the potential to grow and learn and become.  I was so blessed that day by this little guy and I will never forget the special moments, like the one described above, that remind us of the loving bond we share.

Dear little boy, you asked, "Where is my heart Grandma?"  And of course, your grandma says to you, "I carry your heart in my heart, where it will stay forever!"