This morning on my way to a breakfast meeting, I passed a father and child who were waiting at the end of their driveway for the school bus. It’s something I’ve seen what seems like a thousand times before. But lately, I’ve been finding myself reflecting often on how I grew up, and the things I learned about life…specifically how it was that I came to learn them.
For some reason, as I passed by the waiting father and child, I instantly flashed back to my memories of waiting on my school bus. My parents went to work before I was to be at school, so in the mornings, I would get up early with my parents and get dropped off at my grandparents house, who conveniently lived at the bottom of the hill we lived on.
Each morning, as it came time for my bus to come, I remember my grandfather waiting patiently with me in his driveway. I don’t remember all of the specific conversations we had, but I do remember pieces. I remember stories he told me, some of the funny jokes, and the way we would laugh together. Right now at this moment, I can’t help but smile at the memory of the morning he taught me a little jingle to help memorize the spelling of “Mississippi”. It was foggy, and freezing outside, and I can remember seeing my breath in the air as I sang the letters.
I have so many amazing memories with him that go far beyond those cold, foggy Tennessee mornings waiting for a school bus. Thankfully, I’ve gotten to spend far more time with my grandfather than many people get to spend with theirs. Now that we live a few hours apart, we don’t see each other as often as we used to. It makes me realize how much I took the abundance of time we spent together for granted.
I learned so much from my “Paw”, and now in my late twenties, I continue to learn from him today. He is one of the wisest men I know, and even though he’s still around, I think I’ll probably keep learning from him long even after he’s gone. In the meantime, I’m going to soak up as much as I can.
I realized how blessed I am to be so close to all of my family, including the grandparents on both sides of my family. I hope you’re blessed to have, or have had, the same. If not, and you still have the opportunity, I hope you don’t take it for granted.
It’s never too late to start. Or continue.
And, you’re never too old to learn.
M… I… crooked letter crooked letter… I… Hump back…Hump back… I
If that is the one you used my grandfather taught me the same one. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away years ago. I still remember the conversations we had, funny phrases and crazy things we did.
The days of the school bus may be gone but the opportunity for memories is still there. Soak them up and remember your grandfather when you jump on the tour bus. It may be your time to wait with him.
Jamie Hughes