The three of us arrived in Westwood, MA around 11:40. We stopped first to get flowers for the Mothers of the day and quite a few cards. We headed right over to Westwood Cemetery to pay respects to Grampa. Before we left, I asked you what you thought we might want to leave at his grave. You and I had talked in the past about the fact that he gave me tons of baseball cards when I was young and we decided to leave one of your baseball cards for him.
As I get older, I remember him as a larger than life type of person. Fun, energetic and so loving. Once, for a birthday of mine (I was younger than 8), he called a radio station and had them say, "Happy Birthday" to me on the air! I remember it vividly. My Grama says that he was so proud to bring me around to see his neighbors. She said that they would comment not on me as a little boy, but about seeing him with me as a little boy. Oddly enough, I feel myself thinking of him more and more as I get older. I may have had more in common with him that anyone else in my extended family.After we visited Grampa's grave, we headed over to the "Rezzie." A local reservoir that Grama and Grampa would take us when we were young.
I don't know if Grampa taught me how to skip rocks, but I remember first skipping rocks there with him. I would have like 13 or 14 skips off one rock! I can't do it as well anymore.We arrived at Gram's around 12:30 and Auntie Meg, Uncle Greg, Liv and Dave arrived shortly after. Grama and Grampa Hart were already there with Grama. She was so excited to see us. JD, she loves you so much. She has said that you are, "The special one" since you have been born, and she has said it every time I spoken with her since. My Gram has always, "Gotten it." She just gets it. She "knows."
Ad, you had a good time with Livy. You follow her everywhere and she follows JD everywhere. You played with her little bike for a while and after that, you threw all of JD's cars in the bushes.
About 25 of them! I'm certain that there are still some hidden in the bushes at her house!! You had your smile going all day long. Grama said how she couldn't get over the fact that you were smiling, but not trying to impress anyone. Having fun for yourself. An observation I hadn't yet made, but she is completely right.JD, you have always taken a fond liking to her. I remember when you were so little and just learning how to walk, you took her hand and led her around my Dads house. She has never, and will never forget that.
You continue to be so good to her. I think you understand that she cares for you and doesn't pull any punches. If you want to talk you can. If not that's ok too. That's why you want to spend time with her because its on your terms.After we all left for the day my Dad said that she he has never heard her so appreciative of anything. He said it gave him the willies, to hear how much it meant to her. Driving away was a bit emotional for me as I don't know that I will see her again even as coherent as she was today however, I am hopeful. JD, you catch me sometime saying the word "Hell." For instance I will say, 'Thats a hell of a picture, or a hell of a throw." My Gram is a hell of a women.
After Grams the tour continued! We headed over to Nana's house so that I could spend Mother's day with my mom. She was so happy to see us, as always.
You brought her pretty purple flowers and I could see that she was happy to have received them. I didn't want to have Mother's Day pass without seeing my own special Mom. Here you and Ad played with Grampie B for a long time. 
Ad, you finally opened up to him. You were running and jumping into his arms, and diving into his lap from off the couch. We stayed for a couple hours, it was a great ending to the day. Nan commented how she missed when I lived closer and would bring Jade over randomly on some weekends. We would just stay for a few hours and then hit the road. I miss those times too.Sunday, Mothers Day, we woke up in our home. JD, you brought Mom coffee and a Mother's Day card in bed. She came down stairs to see the two plants you and I had picked out for her from you and Ad.
She loves you guys so much and I could tell right away that she was happy that Mothers Day was here. I told her that every day is Mothers Day, but for some reason she didn't like that.Mom and I worked hard in the yard all day. It looks ten times better now than it has ever looked since we've lived here.
Ad, you and JD had fun climbing on our new mower and I gave you your first ride around the yard. You didn't know what to think at first but before I knew it I saw that smile creeping!We had finished showering in the afternoon and Grandy and PopPop came over for an early Mothers Day dinner. PopPop and I prepared the meal (I really just pealed potato's!) of steak, salmon, and yummy mashed potato's!
Mom has had a challenging year and I felt that today was a nice celebration of that year. She had an awesome time with both of you, Grandy, and PopPop. She made ample time to hug and kiss her boys and to spend time and show appreciation for her parents.As I look back on the weekend, I look at it as one of the more fulfilling weekends of recent. I enjoyed thoroughly seeing my Grama, Nana's house was relaxing and special, and here at home we had a great time overall. I have been very conscious lately of how busy our lives are. Both of you are more than receptive to the busy schedule. Not only receptive, but you almost embrace it. Why not live life to the fullest day by day?
I'm not talking about hiking Everest but we have only two days per week to spend fully together, why not enjoy the whole damn day? You will never be boys who sit inside on sunny days, or who want to watch movies rather than throw a ball. You will never wonder who you grandparents or great grandparents are? I hope you are able to take this time and cherish it. Life should be valued for what it truly is...
