Caring Grandma
Elizabeth Sanderson, a lively and determined lady in her early sixties, once said to her granddaughter:
Olivia! Ive waited long enough, but my patience has run out. Will you finally let me pass away in peace?
Olivia, a petite brunette and an art historian, was thrown off by such a peculiar question.
When are you getting married?! So that I can rest easy knowing Ive done my duty? Youre nearly 27, continued Grandma, Do you think I spent the entire summer at that old bat Mrs. Wilkinsons cottage, sympathising with her haemorrhoids twenty times a day, for nothing? It was all so youd sort out your personal life. And you havent even met anyone!
Grandma, where and when am I supposed to meet someone? I have work, Spanish classes, and my thesis. At my museum, the only single man is Mr. Parker, and youve seen him.
Yes, Mr. Parkerhes not even the best of a bad bunch, hes more like a limp shrimp than a lonely fish, Grandma agreed gloomily.
The next day, she rang Mrs. Wilkinson and learnt that her granddaughter had met her future husband at a nightclub.
Sadly, Olivia didnt go to nightclubs, so it seemed Elizabeth would have to take matters into her own hands and scope out potential suitors herself, or look for other such places where eligible men might be found.
Elizabeth found out that women got free admission to the nightclub from 9pm to midnight. Without wasting any time, she headed there that evening, informing Olivia she was going out for a little walk before bed.
Verbally stunning the bouncer who tried to mutter something about her age, Elizabeth managed to get herself seated on a high stool by the bar with help from the staff, and she surveyed the scene sternly. The mood immediately shifted, tense as a parent-teacher conference when the headmaster has just caught year sevens drinking cider on the playground.
So, how do you find it here? Enjoying yourself? the bartender asked timidly, sliding over a tall glass. Non-alcoholic cocktail. On the house.
No. Absolutely useless, Elizabeth replied flatly. A decent girl wont find anything worthwhile here. By the way, wouldnt hurt you to splash in a bit of brandy. And that ginger fellowdoes he have hip problems, or do people really dance like that now?
By New Years, Elizabeth had attended a rock concert, a fire show, a dreary folk singers performance, extreme BMX championships, a bridge tournament, and, in total desperation, a poetry seminar. The poets nearly finished her off. No point in casting a baitheaven forbid someone would actually bite.
Yes, Olivia, I certainly understand you. Back in my day, I chose between your grandfather and a dozen others, all just as good. Even Mrs. Wilkinson had her pick, though she spent her whole life pining over your grandfather. But nowadays, my dear, young men have shrivelled up, hardly worth a second glance.
In March, Elizabeth visited Mrs. Wilkinson and decided to pop into Olivias workplace. Nearing the museum, she slipped and fellthank goodness it wasnt on the steps. Some military chap rushed over and helped her up. Leaning on her rescuer, Elizabeth checked herself for breaks or sprains, then studied the officer and declared:
Major, I see youre in the tank regiment. My late husband once commanded one. Now tell me, Major, do you have a spare hour?
The Major, thinking hed end up hauling the old lady home and cursing his own kindness, nodded resignedly.
Splendid. Tell me, have you ever visited this historic museum? No? You really should. Go inside right now! Ask for Olivia Sanderson to give you the tour. Shes an excellent guide, you wont regret it.
The Major couldnt quite explain to himself how he ended up traipsing into the museum; the old lady had almost hypnotised him
***
Recently, Elizabeth softly whispered to her sleeping great-grandson Matthew:
There you are, my sunshine, my favourite little bear, youll soon be starting school; your dad will complete military academy, and your mum will finally finish her doctorate. And then, Ill feel I can leave this world peacefully. But what, youll grow up all alone, my little sparrow? No, you need a little sister! And when your sister is born, and she goes to school, and then Well, well see what the future bringsElizabeth paused, feeling the soft warmth of Matthews breath on her hand, and smiled. Outside, snow fell in gentle flurries, muffling the world into quiet, but inside the house, laughter echoed from the kitchen, where Olivia and the Major made pancakeshis specialty now, according to Olivia. Elizabeth listened, her heart full. She remembered every determined scheme, every night spent worrying, and every joy when Olivia finally found her happiness. Now, with grandchildren tumbling through her home and stories stitched into the fabric of their lives, Elizabeth closed her eyes with gratitude. Shed done all she could, and love had framed her legacy.
Later, as Matthew woke and toddled into the kitchen, Elizabeth watched the three of themfrom the doorway, unseen. Olivia glanced back and caught her eye, smiling. Grandma, would you like a pancake?
Elizabeth nodded, accepting the plate, and for a moment, all her worries melted away. Perhaps she didnt need to rest easy just yet; perhaps there was always one more story to witness, one more laughmaybe even a little sister to spoil.
After all, a caring grandmas work is never truly done.
