Going Out without A Kiss
Sexy Grandpa and I have rules. Well, they’re not really rules. They’re more like unwritten understandings. For example, we never (and that’s the truth) get into bed without each other. If I’m tired, I may stretch the time and the reverse is true. Bottom line, we go bed, together. Another understanding, affection is a key component to our closeness. We greet with a hug; we take time for hugs during the day/evening. This small gesture is warm, reassuring and ultimately gives Sexy Grandpa what he wants when he shows nurturing toward me. (a.k.a., benefits)
So, you’re thinking, what does this have to do with ‘Going Out without A Kiss’? Not long ago, I was out from 7:45 am (pool aerobics), followed by a meeting and luncheon and finally raced home at 2 pm to spend ½ hour with my husband before a doctor’s appointment at 3:30 pm. I chose to set aside time with Sexy Grandpa rather than go directly on my way. Well, when I got home, he was on the phone – yelled out “Hi” and continued his conversation. I couldn’t believe it. Gone for 6 hours, I surely expected spending time with me instead of on the phone would be HIS priority. WRONG! I kept busy. I read the mail. I checked for online messages, changed my clothes, grabbed my cell phone and keys and yelled out “See you later.” “Okay” was his response. That’s it.
I really felt the emotion of it all when I got in my car and started on my way. ‘That’s it’, I thought. A call with a friend became more important than me! What happened to hugs, affection and happy to see one another after almost a day apart? While, I knew better than to focus on this one, isolated incident, I simply couldn’t shake off my disappointment and resentment. I made a decision. This would be the first conversation when I arrived home! Clear the air. Share my feelings. Offer forgiveness and move on. Guess what happened? Soon after I left, Sexy Grandpa knew exactly what had happened, felt horrible and proceeded, unsuccessfully, to catch up with me. When I returned home, just as I was getting started with my rehearsed communication, he said, “Please forgive me. I can’t believe I got so caught up with my friend that I neglected you.” He told me he tried to catch me before I got to the elevator….I was already on my way. Can you imagine, we BOTH felt terrible. We BOTH recognized how we short changed one another by not taking time to BE with one another. Hence, going out without a kiss is not going to happen again. At least that’s our plan. Stay tuned. We’re counting on you to keep us young at heart.
~Sassy Grandma