How I Remember

My grandmother would never have bought anything on eBay. She would have shuddered at the thought of bidding on a stranger's Lladros. She wouldn't have sent money via paypal. She would have known the cards with a hand written note would last much longer than the money inside. She never would have started an online relationship with GrandpaGuido1910. She would rather have spent Saturday nights with her children, grandchildren and extended family. My grandmother wouldn't have Skyped, or emailed or texted. When I wanted to see her, she would be there, with a sparkle in her eyes and everything she had to give. That's how I remember her.

Has technology made it all less meaningful? I thought as I went to bed. I rely on technology to keep my children connected with their grandparents. Haircuts, art projects and first words are shared over email, Skype and cell phones. My grandmother was my best friend growing up. Whenever everyone else had something to do, my grandmother made me feel like the only thing she had to do that day was love me. Am I denying my children that same bond with their grandparents by choosing to live so far away?

The next morning I watched my mom and Josie playing in the pretend kitchen she got for Christmas. They fried an egg, sorted kitchen utensils, and sipped from neon-colored, plastic tea cups. Josie's eyes sparkled as she looked at her grandmother across the table in between delicate sips of tea. I could tell that Josie knew, at least for today, that the only thing her grandmother had to do was love her. Those are the days that I hope Josie remembers in between emails and Skypes and phone calls. Those are the feelings I hope she remembers forever.