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“You don't stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” 
― George Bernard Shaw

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The Squishy Grandmother

4/12/2016

20 Comments

 
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I contemplated over this title for a couple days, as I was not sure how to catch your attention about a subject that is quite heart warming, but is a bit contradictory. How does one say Grandmother and squishy in the same sentence? How is squishy spelled? What in the world does squishy mean anyway? When someone thinks of their Grandmother, it is usually about their warm baked cookies or big hugs! She is remembered in many endearing ways. So please bear with me and I will try to explain how my heart just swells when I hear the word "SQUISHY!"
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This past year my husband and I were asked to watch our sweet, adorable granddaughters for mom and dad to go on a short vacation. They both deserved a break! The girls were 14, 6, 4, and 6 months of age. We gladly said yes! Even though we were a bit scared, we were excited! We had never had three little ones and one half grown child at one time for many years. We remembered the baths, homework, school, play, referee, mood swings, and whatever else might be thrown our way, as we had already raised four children. We also knew this would be a wonderful time and one we hoped they would remember for many years to come.

​We arrived at the house late Friday afternoon ready to go! They girls were ecstatic! My son and his wife took us around to the girls school and gave us the low down on all that was expected. These young adults were amazing! Like a fine, tuned car, they had this family running in tip top shape. My husband and I only hoped we would make them proud and the children would not be swinging from a ceiling fan upon their return.

​"Mom utilize the daycare, as the girls are used to that schedule, don't feel like you have to keep them home. Believe me you may need a little break!"

​"Oh son...I have done this for many years you know! We won't need the daycare, we will probably just let the girls play with us here!"

​Our four year old granddaughter was so happy to see us! She ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug.

"Grammie you feel squishy!"

​I don't believe I have ever been told that before. Fluffy maybe, but not squishy! What exactly does squishy mean in the eyes of a four year old?

We hit the ground running the next day! It was Saturday so we decided to take the girls to the park. It was a busy, but a fun day! So far we were doing great! We patted our selves on the back and even snuck in some high fives when the girls were not looking. Bedtime was easy breezy! We got this we thought!

The week will fly by and we will be voted the best squishy, grandparents ever!!!

Out of the blue, Sunday became a blur, as this Grammie fell deathly ill all of a sudden. I mean I felt like a truck had run me over, with a high fever, aches, and all. This left me in bed and my husband pulling a two grandparent job! I thought by Monday I would be fine!

Suddenly I thought perhaps daycare might become our best friend after all! I am sick!

I began to worry a little. We are talking about getting up three little girls, dressing them, feeding them, taking them to school, pre-school, and then daycare on Monday morning. I crawled out of bed to lay the girls clothes out for the next morning. We still got this! At least I can help a little.  I really wanted to be that well tuned machine!

I could not let the kids know I was sick! If they should call... my husband would talk to them and make up some lame excuse for me as to why I could not come to the phone. I knew if they knew I was ill, they would have come straight home!

Monday morning rolled around and I was even worse, if that was even possible! I could not get out of bed, and fear of infecting the little ones was on my utmost mind.

Day care here we come!

In-between drifts of sleep, I could hear two of the little Divas discussing their clothes with Papa. They had decided to "change their minds" concerning what their fashion statement would be for that day. I knew this would be an issue, and that is why me and the girls had this covered the night before. At least Grandpa would not have to pick out clothes. This was NOT a good idea to lay this task on Grandpa who spends his days working with harden criminals in the Justice System! This may be more than he can handle! 

I could hear their whole conversations from the bedroom!

​"What? Uh...Really? I am colored blind? It means I can't tell! Just wear that! Your hair? Uh...Okay...Sorry that is the best I can do! Bye Honey, we are gone!"

​And off they went! Somewhere in between all that commotion I fell asleep once more!

Once my husband returned I observed a pleased look on this face.  I think he was quite proud that he had pulled off the first day without me. Surely I would be up and around by noon. It did not happen!

My fever continued to climb and we knew that I needed to see a doctor. We found a clinic near by and $200.00 dollars later, as they did not accept our insurance, I was diagnosed with a pretty bad case of Strep. After a few round of antibiotics, I began to feel better, but still feeling the effects of a horrible sore throat. ​We made it through the week and even though challenging, I would not have changed one thing, except the Strep part!

​XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

​A few months later the kids came to visit us and our little four year old ran up too me giving me a big hug!

"Oh good Grammie, you still feel squishy!"

​Now most might feel little complex coming on by now, but I decided to look at being squishy as an endearing term. 

Here are my thoughts on being squishy!

Like a nice soft, squishy pillow!
Squishy is not hard! Why? Because its Squishy!
​​Squishy is flexible, and with children...being Squishy is a must!
​Being Squishy is like playing with that bubble wrap! Need I say more?
Being Squishy is like Play Doe, anything is possible!
​Squishy is those soft, warm Chocolate Chip cookies.
​Squishy is the way our under arms flap in the wind.
​Squishy is the way the little ones play with our squishiness for entertainment!
​Squishy is the long, big hugs that never end!
​Squishy is being a Grandmother and that is better than Not being Squishy at all!
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20 Comments
Vicki
4/12/2016 08:13:33 am

Dear Kimmie,
I loved this! Obviously you two are wonderful and very competent grandparents. It is a very special role to play in children's lives. Glad you got over your illness finally.
Thanks for a really sweet story in your lives. May you always be a suitably squishy grandma!
Love and hugs,
Vicki

Reply
Kimmie Thompson
4/12/2016 11:43:18 am

Thank you dear Vicki. We have to grab those moments write about them so we won't forget.
Love ya
Kimmie

Reply
Ann Davis
4/12/2016 09:48:52 am

Squishy is the highest compliment paid to a grandmother. And another one is. "You smell like blueberry muffins."

Reply
Kimmie Thompsonoh
4/12/2016 11:44:51 am

Oh Ann Blueberry muffins ..how wonderful!!! Thank you for stopping by my friend.
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Mike
4/12/2016 09:58:52 am

Hello Kimmie - or Squishy Grammie, not sure which name fits you best. Wonderful story, filled with love. You and Roy are making beautiful memories for your family and US!

Reply
Kimmie Thompson
4/12/2016 11:46:33 am

Hi Mike
I guess any name will work when it comes from the sweet little ones. Lol Thank you so much for your sweet comment.
Bugs
Kimmie

Reply
Brenda link
4/12/2016 10:15:23 am

Squishy! What a delightful term for a grandma. These little ones are so innocent and precious in how they view us. Squishy is desirable, comfortable and secure. The adult world should see squishy through such loving eyes. I am so pleased you got this time with the grandchildren. Although sick, you made lifelong memories. What a gift and blessing they are and you and Papa to them. Your post made me smile and my heart is happy. Bless you friend.

Reply
Kimmie Thompson
4/12/2016 11:48:49 am

Oh Brenda I thought squishy was such a cute term. I will be squishy and happy lol
God bless you my friend
Love
Kimmie

Reply
femmeflashpoint link
4/12/2016 03:35:23 pm

LOL!

I'm lovin' this post, Sunnie Girl. Oh my goodness, what a hoot!

I'm so sorry you were sick while you were with the kids but way proud of Roy for cowboyin' up and handling things while you rested.

So glad that after all this time your family is finally all in one state. Although our beloved Texas is big, it's still better than coast-to-coast travel to see your kiddos.

Reply
Kimmie Thompson
4/13/2016 09:01:56 am

Thank you Femme!!! Two heads better than one as they say. I couldn't have done it without him.
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Melanie
4/12/2016 09:00:59 pm

Loved this, because as one Squishy to another, there is nothing better than the love of a Grandchild. Also brings back memories of my Squishy Grandma Davis, Grandma Gambrel, Great Grandma Glover, and of course my Momma. Thank you :)

Reply
Kimmie Thompson
4/13/2016 09:03:30 am

Dear Melanie
What a beautiful legacy of squishy grndmas...such a blessing. I had one too and miss her so much.
Thank you for stopping by!!
Hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
4/13/2016 07:24:05 pm

So happy you're feeling better, dear Kimmie.

You are a trooper and Roy is a wonderful, supportive and competent partner...

I know your grandkids love the squishy outta you...and what a way to go, right...??!!

Love you lots, Maria

Reply
Kimmie
4/14/2016 04:03:53 am

Thank you Maria!
I remember my mom saying I am going to squeeze the stuffins' out of you when she gave me a hug. Maybe I was squishy back then and didn't know it. HAHAH
Love you
Kimmie

Reply
Sannel link
4/14/2016 12:56:06 pm

Dear Kimmie,
Thank you for such a sweet, wonderful and Squishy read! When I think of the word squishy, my comfortable, trusted and huggable teddy bear comes to mind. ( Which by the way, after 50 some years, I still have :) )
You and Roy are such wonderful grandparents. I know your grandchildren have a blast having you both around. Sorry to hear that you were so sick, but glad that you're finally well again.
Love you lots!
Hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Kimmie
4/14/2016 03:18:36 pm

Dearest Sannel.
So good to see you! Thank you for such a sweet comment. I remember some stuffed animals so I think I am in good company...lol
Love you dearly
Kimmie

Reply
crazyhorseladycx link
5/10/2016 01:18:30 pm

howdy, ms. kimmie!

oh my gosh, what a true delight to read this! i'd like to be squishy myself :) shame those grands live so danged far off. i'm mighty proud'f yer hubs fer tacklin' the task'f gettin' those sweet lil'uns dressed'n off to their destinations. saddened that'cha were ill 'n didn't get to enjoy 'em more.

thinkin' back, to when the grands lived nearby, i don't reckon they e'er called me "squishy". reckon i've failed grandmomma hood?

Reply
Kimmie Thompson
5/17/2016 06:47:17 am

Dear sweet lady oh Noooo you have not failed in grandmotherhood I am sure they have come up with their own endearing term. You are one of a kind and speical in their sight. Thank you for stopping by. :)
Hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Shauna
5/16/2016 01:39:15 pm

Kimmie, this is adorable! I'm sorry you fell ill but at least you've maintained the honor of being your granddaughter's favorite squishy toy!

Reply
Kimmie Thompson
5/17/2016 06:49:17 am

Shauna I am thinking my diet may change my Squishyness...so if I fall off my diet it is a win win lol Thank you for stopping by!!
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply



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