HALLIE EPHRON: It will come as no surprise to any of you with young kids in your life that every once in a while, when you think those kiddoes are living in their own little world, not paying the least attention to what's going on in yours, they surprise you.
That's what happened recently with my almost-9-year-old granddaughter, Franny.
She and her little brother and my daughter and her husband and my other daughter stayed with me in Florida. Just me, for the first time on vacation since Jerry died. And we had a lovely time. The kids swimming and carousing and having their fill of ice cream. Me still getting used to being alone.
On the trip, I celebrated my birthday. It's the first time in 53 years that I did not get a hand-drawn birthday card from my husband.
And I was sure all of this sailed over Franny's head. Kids are, for the most part, little narcissists. I think it's Darwinian.
Or that's what I thought until Franny made me a birthday card.
She drew the lobby of the building we stayed in -- it has a 4-story tall piece of art, and Franny captured it perfectly. She's got the palm trees in the courtyard, seen through the window, with the address 1800 over the door.
She also drew herself, and me.
Explaining her drawing, she said in it she was giving me a rainbow hat because mine was sad and gray.
Now, you tell me, has she been paying attention or what?
Hoping you have children in your life who give you rainbow hats.
This is so sweet, Hallie . . . .
ReplyDeleteAren’t we lucky to have those special Little Ones in our lives? We treasure those rainbow hats and the love that draws them for us . . . .
No kidding. Esp the love...
DeleteThis made me cry, Hallie. What a lovely card. I hope it's the start in a new long tradition.
ReplyDeleteWe had our favorite four-year-old (and her Gran, my bestie) here for twenty-fours. That girl is all energy and rainbows and I'm so grateful to be close to her while I wait for my own grands.
Feeling as if it's a tradition that's unbroken... her little brother Jody looks as if he's going to be even more expressive in his artwork. Their art covers my fridge.
DeleteHALLIE: That is so very sweet. Franny is very talented, and yes she has been paying attention.
ReplyDeleteNope, no grandkids or any young people in my inner circle here.
She tunes in on her own wavelength but she tunes in.
DeleteHallie, this made me smile. That was so sweet. And she did a beautiful job with the card. I know you are going to treasure this precious gift.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's one I'd like to frame.
DeleteI have tears in my eyes. Your sweet little Franny is special beyond her years. She is talented, no doubt, but she is Jerry's heart for the new generation.
ReplyDeleteWear the rainbow hat.
"Jerry's heart for the new generation" - perfect
DeleteOkay, this totally made me cry. So glad you were with them and sending belated birthday wishes to you, dear Hallie. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wendall!
DeleteOh my goodness, Hallie. I'm crying in my kitchen at this. How absolutely lovely. Happy birthday wishes to you...and kudos to Franny for being her brilliant young self.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amanda!
DeleteCelebrate your rainbow hat! You could even do a pretty pink or blue or green streak in your hair.
ReplyDeleteFunny because I travel with a crushable straw hat which once WAS vibrant shades of blue and pink and yellow and is now much faded.
DeleteThat's amazing Hallie! May there be many more cards from Frannie. xo
ReplyDeleteAnd I'll cherish them.
DeleteHappy Belated Birthday! This brought tears to my eyes. Franny is a treasure!
ReplyDeleteDebRo
Thanks, Deb!
DeleteHow wonderful and sweet and kind. And talented, too. Here's to a journey aided by those who bring you joy.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely way to think about it.
DeleteThat is the sweetest gift ever, Hallie. I'm also teary-eyed over Franny's kind heart and intuition.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday, my dear.
Thanks, Karen... xx
DeleteSweet and tender and deeply in tune. What a lovely gesture from a special person <3 Teary here in Melrose.
ReplyDeletePut this one in the "sticky" pile!
DeleteTears here, too. How lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindy - kleenex all around.
DeleteWhat a sweet and wonderful granddaughter you have! She certainly knew how to give you a special birthday!
ReplyDeleteShe was paying attention... go figure.
DeleteI have a grown-up (38) son who gave me a rainbow this Valentine's Day. Outside my front door I found a bouquet of flowers, a box of truffles, and a card from my husband, who died three years ago. On the front of the Valentine was the Eiffel Tower (our last trip together was to Paris), and inside was a note from my husband saying that although he can't be here in person, he is always with me, and that he looks forward to our being together again some time in the future. How did my son know just what I needed to hear that day? I'll never forget it.
ReplyDeleteOh, Margie - that is absolutely beautiful. Sons don't get nearly the credit they deserve.
DeleteHALLIE,
ReplyDeleteHappiest of birthdays! How thoughtful of your granddaughter! She is quite a perceptive child. I am grateful that you could celebrate your birthday with your children and grandchildren.
Diana
Me, too, Diana.
DeleteGranny has inherited Jerry’s talent! She is such a sensitive and caring little girl. I’m so glad your family was there for your birthday
ReplyDeleteI hate autocorrect. Franny! Franny!
DeleteAutocorrect did that to me, too! Turns the thought on its head.
DeleteA special hug for Franny and Hallie! The artwork alone is sweet, but the gray and rainbow hats? That's a little girl who is obviously in tune with and loves her grandmother very much!
ReplyDeleteMy 6-year-old grand-nephew was telling me all about the house he'll have when he grows up as we took a walk one morning. He assured me that it would be big enough for me to live there, too. Little kids often have the biggest hearts, I think.
SO SWEET! A room for grandma. I keep hoping my kids will want to take over this house with me in it. Not gonna happen, I'm afraid.
DeleteWell, that is a showstopper in every way. That’s a lot of magic. and an incredible heart.
ReplyDeleteI agree - she's pretty remarkable
DeleteTears. What a wonderful gift from a gifted grandchild.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Triss....
DeleteFranny is proof that the adults around her are a fabulous influence. Great card.
ReplyDeleteShe's surrounded by people who care a great deal for her.
DeleteHallie, that is so sweet. I love that Franny is continuing the artistic tradition in the family! And, yes, the kids are processing what's going on around them, even if we don't realize it. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteAs I see it, combining art and poetry.
DeleteWhat a lovely, lovely birthday card and grandchild.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Sherry.
DeleteOh, my goodness, what a perceptive girl she is. May we all eventually trade in our gray hats for rainbows.
ReplyDeleteExactly.
DeleteAwwww. That is just so lovely and sweet.
ReplyDeletePreciesly!
DeleteThis brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI was sobbing when I first saw it.
DeleteAw, Franny, what a fabulous artist you are. Your grandpa would definitely approve. Kids don't miss much, especially when it involves someone they love. Wishing you lots more rainbows, Hallie.
ReplyDeleteAnd you,too, dear Jenn.
DeleteThis is beyond fabulous, and made me smile ❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nikki (waving!)
DeleteI also teared up at how thoughtful and perceptive your granddaughter is!
ReplyDeleteHallie, this is such a precious story. Franny is so wise for her years. Imagine thinking of giving you a rainbow hat to replace your sad, gray one. This child has depth, not to mention talent. I'm thrilled you got a drawing for your birthday. I still think a book of Jerry's birthday drawings to you would be amazing. You could end it with Franny's drawing.
ReplyDeleteSo, so sweet and thoughtful too, Hallie I hope you had the best day you could have. Sending hearts
ReplyDeleteHallie, that's the most thoughtful thing I've ever heard. Franny certainly was paying attention to the examples in her life. I'm sure Jerry is smiling.
ReplyDeleteKids are the sweetest humans ever. As you said, they are taking in so much more than we ever realize. And, the way they do it quietly, makes them even more loving than the adults who try to help in their way.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this brightened your spirits.
Just exquisite. Like you.
ReplyDeleteMuch love
.
Plus, look a your lovely posture. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou've got an 8-year-old empath who just might inherit her grandfather's artistic talent!
ReplyDeleteParaphrasing Thoreau, it is not what we see, it is how we look. You have an observant, kind grand daughter there!
ReplyDeleteThis was touching .. not only because I know this has been and is a tough time for you but because of the sensitivity and love instilled in Franny. Sounds like Jerry and you did something right with your daughters and they in turn with theirs.
ReplyDelete