Appreciate them

I wish I had really seen my grandparents as people and not an obligation when I was younger, because they're pretty awesome people.

We hug for 10 minutes.

The 'carousel' of goodbyes.

Undoubtedly left awkwardly watching,

observing an uncomfortable kiss

through a barricade of hair.

The act must be uninterrupted.

If anyone breaks the quiet

conversation erupts.

And our dinner is halve an hour late.

But it's nice really.

No-one loves so openly,

and is so grateful for company.

The ritual continues

as we reverse out the drive-

wait, wait, turn, wave and smile.

I wonder how long they stay

watching each week.

Immediate u-turn? A content sigh

before wandering back to the recliner?

Or do they stay until the car is out of sight?

I didn't realise how much I liked

seeing them together, waving.

Now she waves through the window

if she can manage.

And he grips onto a safety rail.

His weak arm tensing as he holds

himself tall.

I miss the tight, warm hugs.

Now I always wrap under his arms

to hold him up.

I kneel beside the sofa to hug her,

careful not to squeeze too hard.

And when I respond to the whispered

'I love you', I really mean it.

I don't think I did before.

I should have.

Reviews

[Alisa Js]

This one is beautifully written and lovingly expressed. Sometimes we don't appreciate our blessings until they're gone and nothing more than a distant memory, however in your case, you are still blessed to enjoy their love.

Thank you for sharing this heart tugging piece.

Alisa

[Emma]

Thank you so much for this lovely review, I understand that for many other people the memories are even more painful and that only makes me appreciate what I have now even more