Technicolor Vegetables

I’ve mentioned before how much, as a preschool-age child, I looked forward to Fridays. My mom went shopping in the morning – every Friday – no matter what obstacle dared raise its head! Sickness, weather, full larders – none of these could compete with her rigidity of schedule. And I loved those days, because I got to ride in my grandmother’s cart.

You see, my sister, being the timid type, always wanted to ride with my mom. Some of my most vivid memories, infused with Technicolor vegetables and larger-than-life cashiers, are from those Friday mornings. Momo would sometimes break my mom’s rule of “no candy” and buy me a Root Beer Barrel from the penny-candy fishbowl. She always let me touch the fruits and vegetables she chose. These were privileges indeed!

Of course, the carts were much smaller affairs then, children compared to the grown-up carts of Costco and Sam’s. Besides having room for furniture and cases of water or paper towels, today’s behemoths provide spaces for TWO little ones up front.

But, my granddaughters would rather curl up in a far corner of the cart, legs hugged to their torsos, until the wire mesh becomes so uncomfortable that they must surrender to the front seats. And a couple of weeks ago, on my “Grammy Day’, Sarah and I headed for Sam’s. I took a picture of her with my cell phone, just because she’s so cute, and because it’s what Grammys do, as she perched in the corner of the cart. And, as I did, I had a sad conversation with another shopper.

A woman about my age watched as I posed my phone, and then as I finished she began to talk to us. It was then I understood why she had such woeful eyes.

“Is this your granddaughter?” she asked. “Yes, she’s five years old.” I answered. She continued, “Are you babysitting today?” “Well, in a way, I guess I am. But, each week I have a special day with each granddaughter, and today is Sarah’s day. We just had lunch, and now we’re shopping.” I explained.

Her eyes clouded over, and then she said, “Her parents allow you to take her in your car, and then go shopping? You are a very lucky person. I could never do that with my grandchildren. Their parents would never allow it.”

Of course, we don’t know the backstory – perhaps there is a very good reason why her visits are so limited. But what I took from this encounter is that “grandmother-grandchild” time is precious; these are not the stuff of every day. And I’m allowed to create them. Thanks, Jon and Alyssa, Josh and Liz!

I hope I’m etching memories into my granddaughters’ minds, just as my grandmother did for me.

“Technicolor vegetables” – yep – that’s my goal!