By Victoria John
Mathematics and Latin Teacher, Lakehill Preparatory School
My granddaughters, Ruby, eight, and Stella, five, are the loves of my life. We learn about each other by telling stories, reading, watching movies, singing, or just talking. During my visits we have established loving traditions that open my heart and fill it with joy. The 13th century Persian poet, Rumi, said, “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, joy.”
One of my memorable moments with Ruby was when she was three years old. On a typical rainy spring day in Seattle, I walked Ruby home from her preschool. Dressed in her blue and white checked raincoat, she was so excited to stomp in the puddles lining the sides of the street. We both laughed out loud as she lifted her rain boots and stomped each rhythmically into the rainwater. Almost magically, new puddles seemed to appear each step we took. For her grand finale, Ruby gleefully jumped with both feet into the last puddle, paused, looked up at me with bright eyes and a joy-filled smile, and exclaimed, “Grandma, one big puddle all the way home.”
During each visit we anticipate individual sleepovers, when I give each one undivided attention. They pack essentials for our overnight visit, favorite books and Beanie Boos. Ruby asks over and over to hear my childhood stories about my best friend. We read books together, taking turns reading aloud. A special grandma and Ruby talk follows lights out. I always learn an important truth, when Ruby shares her thoughts. Because Ruby enjoys math, she asked to learn Algebra. After a quick mini-lesson, I presented the equation, a + 4 = 10. Ruby instantly responded, “a = 6.” It is such fun to find a kindred spirit who loves a good math challenge!
My favorite memories with Stella are watching her enjoy life. Breaking into song at any moment, her energy and powerful voice foreshadow a rock star in the making. We make homemade yeast rolls and strawberry pie. Stella loves to roll out the dough, and with flour-covered fingers, shapes it into crescents. Her favorite part of pie-making is plopping the fresh strawberries into the red gelatinous pie filling, although the red juice dripping from her mouth tells a different story.
For Stella’s sleepovers, we read her carefully-selected books and turn off the lights to delight in the glow-in-the-dark solar system pasted on the ceiling. Stella loves talking about the “Stella” stars, as her name in Latin, stella, means star. Right before we sleep we act out plays with her “stuffies,” and using a flashlight make shadow puppets on the walls. After cuddle time, we go to sleep with tummy smiles and giggles.
When I am with my granddaughters, I feel the joy that Rumi describes. It is an-ever flowing river of love deep within. My grandchildren gift me with smiles and laughter and life wisdom. Ruby and Stella are the gem and star touchstones in my life, glittering and shining, their twinkling eyes alight with surprise. They inspire me to be the best person I can be. Life with my girls is truly, “one big puddle all the way home.”
