A Grandma's Love | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: A Grandma's Love | Previous Challenge Entry
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09/17/14
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“Tsk, tsk,” Frances whispered as she tugged and pulled and yanked at her granddaughter’s tangled hair. Her three granddaughters had arrived by bus early that afternoon and would stay with her for three weeks of their summer vacation. The middle of the three girls was nine, and she had arrived with a tangled, matted, rat’s nest of hair, dirty and untended for weeks. Leslie was silent, flushing pink and hot with embarrassment as she realized the mess she was in. A small tear found its way out, tumbling onto her lap, as her grandma pulled and tugged at her tender scalp.

As soon as the tangled mess was free, her grandma pulled out the scissors. She didn’t say a word, but behind her, Leslie could hear it - Snip. Snip. Snip. She held very still. Soon Leslie had a short pixie-cut, just perfect for a little girl in the summertime heat.

Grandma Fran smiled down at her and said, “There, see? Isn’t that better?” Leslie wiped away her tear and smiled, feeling loved and cared for.

Frances then gathered up all of her new charges, packed them into the back seat of the car, and headed into town, straight to the fabric store. Along the way, she explained that each girl was to select fabric and one simple pattern so she could teach them how to sew during their stay. With her grandma close by her side, she picked out a summery fabric, white with lavender flowers, and a pattern for a simple, sleeveless dress. Frances paid for the purchases, and gave each girl her own package to carry from the store. The girls followed her out, proudly marching behind her in a row like ducklings following their mamma.

Upon arriving back to the house, Marsha, who was ten, asked if they could watch TV. Their afternoon routine at home included watching several hours of television reruns, back-to-back, while they snacked on anything they could find to eat in the kitchen before their father got home from work. Although their mother was at home now, she had been so very ill, and she was often distracted, disengaged, or just not present. Leslie wondered why she wasn’t with them more, and why she seemed so sad, but no one talked about it. It’s just how it was.

Grandma replied, “You can watch just one half-hour show, but you all have to agree on which one.” The girls silently obeyed, and perched in a row on the dainty, floral couch with lace doilies lightly covering the arm rests. They were not accustomed to so many rules, but Leslie felt safe within the structure.

As soon as the show ended, Grandma emerged from the kitchen, right on cue. She held out a pale pink leash and cheerfully exclaimed, “Get your shoes on girls. It’s time for Tootie’s walk!” Tootie was Grandma’s fluffy, white toy poodle, and the girls loved playing with her. They scurried off to the small guest room they would share, found their shoes quickly and returned, running out the back door eagerly.

It was late afternoon by now and so very hot, but Leslie didn’t mind a bit. Ever since they had moved to Southern California the summer before, she had found comfort in the intense heat. Summertime meant being barefoot and outside, and it was her favorite time of year. Here in the central California farmlands, it was even hotter in the summer, and now the heat of the pavement radiated up through the soles of her flimsy shoes.

Tina was only seven, so their grandma held her hand tightly as they walked. “Here, Leslie,” she said. “You take Tootie. She’s a good dog.”

They made their way around the corner and up a few blocks then they spotted the large, elementary school playground with slides, swings, and a well-watered grassy play area. Once safely inside the fence, Grandma instructed Leslie to let Tootie off the leash so she could run. Around and around the yard she ran, with all three girls chasing after her in the cool grass. The frolicking continued and the girls played on the swings and slides to their hearts’ content. Finally Frances called out, “Come along girls. It’s time to go home!”

Home. Leslie smiled broadly at the sound of that word. As they walked back, she found her grandma’s hand, and gently slipped hers inside. She knew it was going to be a wonderful summer.

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