Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Down the Highway

I headed down the highway bright and early this morning to spend three days with five of my grandsons while their parents go to Banff for a couple of days.  It's a glorious fall day, bright and sunny and perfect for being out and about.  I'm usually with Lloyd or a friend when I do any highway driving but today I was on my own, feeling free and happy and ready to face the care and feeding of five boys ranging in age from almost 4 to 15.   The hour and a half drive passed quickly (probably because my car loves to go fast and I have a heavy foot on the gas).

As I was driving along I couldn't help but remember the last time I drove down this highway by myself almost four years ago.  Conditions were different then.  It was winter.  Snow and ice were part of the landscape, and the road.  It was midnight.  I was alone.  I had left home in a hurry, stopping long enough to throw a coat on over my pyjamas and gloves for my hands, and a bag of clothes for a quick change in the morning.

I had just had a phone call from Jenny.  She was expecting her fifth baby in January but something had gone wrong and Anders had to take her to the hospital 20 kms away immediately.  This was Dec.  6.  They couldn't wait for me to get there but headed out shortly before I was due to arrive at their place.   I made it there in record time and checked to see that the four boys were still asleep and oblivious to the drama playing out in their family.

Anders kept in touch with me through the early hours of the morning via cell phone and called me when little James was born - 5 weeks early.  He was put in in NICU right away for extra care.  Jenny was tired and worried but fine otherwise.  Anders came home before the boys woke up and was there to tell them the exciting, but unexpected, news of the early arrival of their little brother.  It was heartwarming to witness their excitement over the new little guy.  This family does love it's babies.

Anders and James
Later that day I was able to go to the hospital and visit Jenny and James.  He looked so tiny in his isolette with wires and tubes attached to his tiny body.  He was doing well though and was home for Christmas. Today he's just short of 4 years old and has no ill affects of rushing headlong into this life.

James today, squinting in the sun

I'm glad my drive today was undramatic, during the bright sunshine, on bare roads, and worry-free.



13 comments:

Desiree said...

What a difference in the circumstances and seasons since you last made this trip on your own! So glad it all had a happy ending then. Enjoy your few precious days together, now! What a super gran you are!

Chatty Crone said...

Oh he is soooooo sweet and so cute! Lots of blessings.

Sandie

BB said...

What a gorgeous little boy! Cute, cute, cute. Just want to squeeze those cheeks.

Michael and Hanne said...

Have fun with all your offspring. Not so heavy on the gas-pedal on the way home Pat!

just call me jo said...

Enjoy those grandbabies--all of them. You're a brave woman. And loved.

TARYTERRE said...

I've traveled so many roads on my own, each with a story. Yours touched my heart tonight. I had a premature baby so I understand the drama playing out for your family four years ago. I am so glad it all worked out well in the end. Have a wonderful time with your precious grandsons. But promise to ease back on the gas pedal, so you have a safe journey home at the end of the week. Take care.

Granny Annie said...

Today happens to be my son's 41st birthday. My mother got up in the middle of the night 41 years ago to be with me. She drove a hour in fog so thick you could cut it with a knife. She was determined and made that trip alone. She was always ready to sacrifice for her children and grandchildren and I'll always recall with gratitude her journey that night to help greet my first born.

Ellie said...

That first drive through in the dark must have been a scary one for you.
At least this time you can enjoy your drive. Have fun with your grandsons!!!

Bev said...

He is a cute!! Don't drive to fast!!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Have fun with those grandchildren. Taking on 5 of them should be interesting for sure. What a wonderful story of your journey there on the birth of your grandson. Hope your Wednesday is a great one...

Anonymous said...

Oh my - I don't think I could cope with that many, having only had one of my own!! Have fun!!

Mickey said...

Finally able to post! A new baby is always so exciting! Remember my having to leave a scrapbooking weekend to meet my new Grandson? Hoping you're having a wonderful time with your boys! Safe trip home as thinking you'll be very tired!

Laeli said...

Aww,sweet boy!
He's darling! Enjoy the kids!