Stepping Up
On my granddaughter Madison's 8th grade graduation, today.26 total reviews
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Karenina,
Our senior years revolve around our kids and three granddaughters. We have become so busy since 2013 when Alyssa was born. Then, in Covid 2020, two more granddaughters were added to the list, Isla and Mara. We don't see Mara much. Her parents are conspiracy nuts (I call them CN's), refusing to get the vaccinations. But our youngest son, Luke, needs lots of help with busy bee Isla. Every day that Leslie works at the hospital (she's a nurse in the Dialysis department), we are needed to "entertain" Isla. And it's tiring. We love her "to the moon and back", my wife often tells Alyssa, but we're not as young as we used to be. I'm 71, and my wife is 67 with health issues. Somehow, the Golden Years have bypassed us.
But stepping back, we're like you... amazed how they are growing up. Alyssa is now in Grade 3, and doing very well. She loves to dance. She is taking piano lessons. And she paints all the time. It's good to be involved in our grandkids' lives, and I'm so glad to see you are in the same boat. Have you got any extra lifejackets???
Nicely penned! Madison would be in Grade 12 now, wouldn't she? Graduating in three months! How exciting for you!
Hugs,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2022
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Hi Karenina,
Our senior years revolve around our kids and three granddaughters. We have become so busy since 2013 when Alyssa was born. Then, in Covid 2020, two more granddaughters were added to the list, Isla and Mara. We don't see Mara much. Her parents are conspiracy nuts (I call them CN's), refusing to get the vaccinations. But our youngest son, Luke, needs lots of help with busy bee Isla. Every day that Leslie works at the hospital (she's a nurse in the Dialysis department), we are needed to "entertain" Isla. And it's tiring. We love her "to the moon and back", my wife often tells Alyssa, but we're not as young as we used to be. I'm 71, and my wife is 67 with health issues. Somehow, the Golden Years have bypassed us.
But stepping back, we're like you... amazed how they are growing up. Alyssa is now in Grade 3, and doing very well. She loves to dance. She is taking piano lessons. And she paints all the time. It's good to be involved in our grandkids' lives, and I'm so glad to see you are in the same boat. Have you got any extra lifejackets???
Nicely penned! Madison would be in Grade 12 now, wouldn't she? Graduating in three months! How exciting for you!
Hugs,
Kimbob
Comment Written 07-Mar-2022
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2022
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Oh yes. Life jackets are most definitely needed. The seas can get pretty rocky! Bless Leslie for her nursing work! I did it for 35 years and admit I'm happy to volunteer but very glad to not be on the front lines through this chaotic pandemic. Alyssa, Isla, and Mara --three lovely names! There are days I am exhausted... This weekend I had a birthday party for Maxwell, Madison's youngest brother, who turned eight. He's now the "baby" of the family--yes time races by THAT fast! Madison is going to be 18 on April 8th.
She's received fourteen college acceptances thus far ~ the dear heart wants to be an RN, like her grandmom (smile). Although she was proudest of her acceptance into RIT, even with a very generous scholarship it's a very pricey school. It looks like she's settled on The College of our Lady of the Elms -- their scholarship offer was $65,000 per year for all four years! That puts her at about $12,000 in subsidized loans when she graduates. Impossible to my addled brain she's graduating in two and a half months! Wasn't I just pulling her in her red wagon a year ago??? My grands are now 17,13,12 and 8. Some quantum physics since I'm only thirty! (LOL)---
Thanks for bringing this one forward! I still love that photo of her!
Treasure every day...Alyssa will be applying to college in moments!
Hugs back--and Thank you!
Karenina
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Wow! It sounds like Elms College is a wonderful choice. It's not far from Boston (88 miles), and the majority of students are female. The most popular programs are nursing, social work, education, and business management. What a fantastic scholarship... $65,000 per year for all four years! Wow! How far away are you from Elms, Karenina?
By the way, I'm 39 years old... Jack Benny's age!
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Actually, we all live in the Western Mass area, so Elms is precisely 7.8 miles from me and even closer to Madison. She wanted to move up up, and away...but she has a good financial head on her shoulders--so with that kind of scholarship and opting for commuter student (at least for the first year) she'll be saving lots of money. Your 39 hey? Good on you!
That may be my IQ...but alas, it hasn't been my age for.... while. (smile)
Karenina
Comment from justafan
This is a beautiful, beautiful tribute to your daughter. They grow up so fast. sigh
She's lovely.
I had to look hard to find one I could review that would give you either a ribbon or medal :)
Always
Justafan of yours
Missy
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2022
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This is a beautiful, beautiful tribute to your daughter. They grow up so fast. sigh
She's lovely.
I had to look hard to find one I could review that would give you either a ribbon or medal :)
Always
Justafan of yours
Missy
Comment Written 25-Feb-2022
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2022
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Oh, Missy! What a wonderful thing to do! And six stars! That, and a smattering of tears! Can you imagine? My Miss Madison will be eighteen in April, Graduating High School in May! She had "early acceptance" to fourteen colleges! What a joyful problem to decide where to go... And scholarships! She wants to earn her BSN in nursing. Like me. Please pass the tissues! Love you for looking...and for bringing forward this treasured memory!
Deeply grateful,
Karenina
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It was my pleasure sweet lady.
Mine all have children of their own. I have grands that are older than Madison. But the joy is abundant just the same.
M
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Madison is my oldest grandchild! My "kids" are 41 and 42...
My own mom died when my children were five and six.
I Thank God everyday for my blessings!
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Well hells bells, my bad gf. My mom passed when I was 32 my Dad when I was 5. I have 5 kids and 9 grands :)
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More in common than we thought!
I'd LOVE more grands!
The youngest is seven now.
My kids say no way!
Sigh..
Comment from Ronni
Truly Karen, a priceless and precious reflection and time memoir on your
lovely granddaughter, Madison! You mused and sighed through every
'step up' occasion and milestone in her growing up years, with a love
and pride in her that beams through every event like a galactic star.
Beautiful reflection and tribute to Madison, one I am sure she will
keep and treasure forever. What an equally precious and priceless
Grandma she has in you too! Thanks for sharing....
Love, blessings, Ronni
reply by the author on 20-Jun-2018
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Truly Karen, a priceless and precious reflection and time memoir on your
lovely granddaughter, Madison! You mused and sighed through every
'step up' occasion and milestone in her growing up years, with a love
and pride in her that beams through every event like a galactic star.
Beautiful reflection and tribute to Madison, one I am sure she will
keep and treasure forever. What an equally precious and priceless
Grandma she has in you too! Thanks for sharing....
Love, blessings, Ronni
Comment Written 19-Jun-2018
reply by the author on 20-Jun-2018
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Thank you for your kind words about Madison and about me! We are very close (In case you couldn't tell)--and being the oldest this is our first graduation...I am very proud of not only her academic success, but also the kind, generous, loving person she is growing to be. I so appreciate your comments! (Maddie will, too, I'm sure!)
Karenina
Comment from misscookie
I like the artwork you choose to go with your poem
It is a perfect match
You captured my attention from the first line to the last
Congratulation Madison
Oh yes my great grand daughter her name is Madison's also, just moved up to head start,
Thank you for sharing
Cookie
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2018
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I like the artwork you choose to go with your poem
It is a perfect match
You captured my attention from the first line to the last
Congratulation Madison
Oh yes my great grand daughter her name is Madison's also, just moved up to head start,
Thank you for sharing
Cookie
Comment Written 18-Jun-2018
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2018
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That artwork is an actual photo of Madison standing outside her school doors just before 8th grade graduation....a wonderful young woman as beautiful inside and out--even if I do say so myself! (Smile)
What are grandmothers for if not to love their grandchildren unconditionally?
Thanks!
Karenina
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As they say in the streets True that meaning that is true
Cookie
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Madison says "True that!"----how funny!
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Have a blessed evening
Cookie
Comment from Old Soldier
You write of past, present, and future. Your love for your grandchild comes through with happy tears. You are a blessing to her and she to you. Thanks for sharing and keep writing and reading.
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2018
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You write of past, present, and future. Your love for your grandchild comes through with happy tears. You are a blessing to her and she to you. Thanks for sharing and keep writing and reading.
Comment Written 17-Jun-2018
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2018
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I am hopelessly and unapologetically proud and adoring of my grandchildren...Madison is our first graduation of any sort and oh my, it was an emotional and wonderful day! Thank-you!
Karenina
Comment from Jennifer Major-Byers
Such a well written piece of work. The Joy of a grandmother, the trials and successes of a beautiful young lady finding her way. This poem is a wonderful gift to celebrate a great accomplishment. God willing you can gift her with a poem about that other white dress. God bless Jennifer
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2018
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Such a well written piece of work. The Joy of a grandmother, the trials and successes of a beautiful young lady finding her way. This poem is a wonderful gift to celebrate a great accomplishment. God willing you can gift her with a poem about that other white dress. God bless Jennifer
Comment Written 16-Jun-2018
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2018
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From your review to God's ears! I would love to maintain my health and be here for many more milestones...and I thank you for mentioning that!
Thank you!
Karenina
Comment from Swampfox1
Beautiful poem, great tribute to your granddaughter Madison. It is funny how time flies by as we get older. Life's train must be in a hurry to get us to the golden gate before we dissolve or fall apart. I like how you picked certain highlights of her life to write about and how well you did on that. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2018
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Beautiful poem, great tribute to your granddaughter Madison. It is funny how time flies by as we get older. Life's train must be in a hurry to get us to the golden gate before we dissolve or fall apart. I like how you picked certain highlights of her life to write about and how well you did on that. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.
Comment Written 16-Jun-2018
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2018
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Hope your weekend is going swimmingly as well. It's 5:57 PM on Father's Day here! Yes, indeed, isn't it odd that school summer vacations used to stretch out like marathon seasons and now we race at the speed of light from 55 to 65 years of age in the blink of an eye? I don't like old age quantum physics! (smile) IT was a beautiful graduation for Madison and the older I get the more I treasure every milestone!
Thanks,
Karenina
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It's 5:49 p.m. here in the swamps. You are correct that summer vacations just zoom by. I remember when I was 7 years old it seemed that Christmas would never get there, now everytime I turn around its Christmas. Old age zooms by, like you said, quantum physics. Me too, I treasure milestones more and more, cause I know deep inside I may not be seeing many more. You're welcome
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You and I have to come up with some handy dandy drink, device, machine, mantra, something...? Best if it actually worked, but there's enough of US that it would sell well!!! (smile)
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True, it probably would sell very well. Wouldn't that be something, LOL. (smile).
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Hah! Half the products on infomercials are meant to entice with semi-truth....and make their "inventors" millions! MY brother (after several speeding tickets) saw an online ad "Guaranteed to stop speeding when properly installed and directions followed." -- He bought it for $19.99 (cheaper than tickets!)---when he received it, it was a gummy backed sticker you "installed" on your dashboard within driver's eye view. The sticker said "DO NOT SPEED" !!!!!!!
Of course being a supportive a loving sister I laughed my tush off....and if you used it as directed it would work.
He got SO TAKEN!
(LOL)
Karenina
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That is so funny! I have seen similar scams during life, with my brother, my two sisters, naive, and too proud to take advice. Very true, everything that has money in it has half-truth and is focused on making money, the root of all evil. Very, very few things that are focused on making money are ever totally honest. And the funniest thing of all is that no one ever really wants to hear the total truth.
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Exactly! That's what I told my brother when he was so angry about being "ripped off"---I told him if he'd thought Bout it he'd have realized there was no fool proof ANYTHING to make him not speed (short of walking)--and he WANTED to believe the pitch so he did! LOL.....it's funny until people lose hard earned cash....or until you and I pitch our handy-dandy anti-aging potion---(hysterical!)--Karenina
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Yes, you are correct, It could be that common sense becomes buried inside the anticipation of having something made easy, where they don't have to work for it and it comes easy and that is easy come easy go.
Comment from kiwijenny
Precious..we are with our 5th grand child as I write..he is precious . Aren't they WONDERFUL
I am so happy for her that she has someone that loves her this much
God bless
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2018
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Precious..we are with our 5th grand child as I write..he is precious . Aren't they WONDERFUL
I am so happy for her that she has someone that loves her this much
God bless
Comment Written 16-Jun-2018
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2018
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OH my! Is there nothing more youth-retaining than the smile of grandchildren? Forget Oil of Olay! Give me a hug or my four year old Maxwell holding my cheeks and saying "I LOVE YOU TOO MUCH!"-----like the fountain of youth!
Thanks,
Karenina
Comment from Pamusart
"I remember braiding your long hair and adding red ribbons to both of them "
Both of what?
Why not
"I remember making braids in your long hair and adding red ribbons to both of them "
?
Here
"Sixth grade you moved and had to change schools. You were not smiling that day...
Joy and relief that afternoon as you walked out giggling with a new circle of friends! "
It moves too fast. First she's not smiling and in the next line she is giggling with new friends. I think I get it. It is her mother talking. I just figured out what is bothering me here. You said "you moved away". Isn't it "we moved away". You makes it seem like you are not going with her. My oldest grandchild is 28. No great grandchildren. Good job. Thank you for sharing
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2018
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"I remember braiding your long hair and adding red ribbons to both of them "
Both of what?
Why not
"I remember making braids in your long hair and adding red ribbons to both of them "
?
Here
"Sixth grade you moved and had to change schools. You were not smiling that day...
Joy and relief that afternoon as you walked out giggling with a new circle of friends! "
It moves too fast. First she's not smiling and in the next line she is giggling with new friends. I think I get it. It is her mother talking. I just figured out what is bothering me here. You said "you moved away". Isn't it "we moved away". You makes it seem like you are not going with her. My oldest grandchild is 28. No great grandchildren. Good job. Thank you for sharing
Comment Written 16-Jun-2018
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2018
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I didn't go with her. Her family moved away and so she went to a new school. She was not smiling that first day because of the new school but in the afternoon when we picked her up she'd already made new friends....and OF COURSE I was putting bows in both of her BRAIDS....what the heck else would they be? (LOL) Thanks for the critique--glad you are taking it seriously and I do appreciate it, but it's not THAT kind of poem that I wanted to capture editorially perfect...I simply wanted my emotions to flow exactly as they came from my heart right after the graduation....
This is the ONLY Poem I don't want to change at all....I want to retain it precisely as I felt it because it is going to her for her memory book.
Thanks though...
Karenina
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Ok,
Girl. I understand
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
This is a such a wonderful tribute and these are words from the heart, honest and true, with admiration and love, a joy to read Karenina, best wishes, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2018
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This is a such a wonderful tribute and these are words from the heart, honest and true, with admiration and love, a joy to read Karenina, best wishes, love Dolly x
Comment Written 16-Jun-2018
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2018
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Thank you. I wrote it straight form my heart to the site....no rough draft or perfecting, because it was important to me to capture for Madison (who has already received a copy of it for her memory book) the rawest emotion just as I was feeling it....
What a special day!
Thanks,
Karenina
