I’ve been Skyping and Facetiming with my grandsons, Ethan and Isaac, since they were old enough to poke a finger in my virtual eye. We played hide under the blanket, peek-a-boo, and Mommy-I-want-milk-right-NOW.
With our homes half a world away, technology is amazing. I listened to each boy learn to talk, sing songs, count to ten, and warble the alphabet. Once or twice I even read them a bedtime story. We have a great photo of Ethan lying in his crib talking away to Grandma-in-the-computer. Except that I can’t cuddle them, it’s almost as good as being there.
Now that they’re four and five, our adventures have changed. For one thing, they are mobile. Grandma-in-the-phone can go along for the ride…literally. I’ve raced on a tricycle, gone to the playroom, and even accompanied them to the potty.
Good times.
Last week, Ethan put me on a train carriage taking a lengthy journey around the living room. The full tour – accompanied by impressive train noises while I looked at the ceiling.
And then… there was a derailment! I was left under the dining room table until Isaac, the fireman, (cue loud siren noises) found me. He loaded me up for a hair-raising race to the firehouse. Triage was located on the second floor of the miniature station. Fireman Isaac left for a well-earned snack.
My daughter found me awhile later as I feebly called for a second rescue. I’m beginning to feel like one of the Borrowers.
I’m going to visit in a few weeks. In our last conversation, Ethan leaned on his hands and solemnly told me I should come and sleep in my bedroom upstairs. And he thought it would be a nice thing if I brought them each a toy.
I live half a world away, but unlike the good old days, we can see each other and chat. When someone perfects holograms, maybe I can cuddle them too.
I can hardly wait!