A Lap By Any Other Name

"Few things are more delightful than grandchildren fighting over your lap."

~Doug Larsen

This morning I babysat my almost two-year old granddaughter, Maeve, while her mommy went grocery shopping and her big sister was in preschool. We were sitting on the floor watching Dora and suddenly Maeve got up, came over to where I was sitting, and nestled herself into my lap. I was a bit surprised because she's usually more active. So I didn't move; just held her in my arms as we both watched Dora and Boots save the day. Soon, my legs went numb but it didn't matter. This moment was all that mattered to this granny. It was delightful!

I was reminded of last Saturday while visiting my grandchildren in Cape May. Joshua and Jameel were practically glued to my lap, snuggled up against me, whenever I sat down. This, too, I loved despite Josh being a solid heavy kid at the age of seven and Jameel a squirmy bony five-year old. Again, it didn't matter - it was delightful!

Grandparent laps are made for this purpose, I believe. When I was the age of Maeve and Josh and Jameel, I sat on my own grandmother's lap and, you know, I can still see her plump, lovely face; her greying hair tucked into a hair net while she told me story after story and nursery rhyme after nursery rhyme . It was - delightful!