TO OUR GRANDSON, WITH LOVE!

Over the past 17 years  we have made numerous guesses as to what our grandchildren might like for a Christmas gift or a birthday gift.  But it wasn't until THIS year that one of them said, "THANK YOU" in his "OWN" handwriting! 

Some of our grand kids are just now learning how to print. Traditionally, their parents were always prompt with a generous amount of appreciation.  They have never neglected to instruct their children to say, "Thank You!" Three siblings, on their most recent birthday, (all in September!!) gave us a very special SKYPE "Thank You."  We were able to see the children, with their gifts!   One of their gifts was a Tomy Megasketcher.  In the few short months since their birthdays,  the children have learned to write their names on their Megasketchers!  Written "Thank Yous" are now just a few steps away.  Soon, like their older cousin, Nico, 7, they will be able to send their very own handwritten "Thank Yous." 

Our two Aussie grandchildren are also still too young to write, yet are encouraged to phone their Mimi and Papa with their words of thanks.  Oftentimes, their mum will share their happiness with a certain gift with us by email.  They too are being taught how to express their thanks. 

It surely wasn't the gift we sent our 7 year-old grandson, Nico, that resulted in his display of gratitude because we have sent all of the grandchildren gifts of equal or greater value throughout the years.  Since he is of a tender age, we can't help but credit his mommy and daddy for instilling this wonderful quality of of thankfulness in him.  By their diligence in making sure that no gift goes by without a courteous "Thank You," we have great hopes that he will grow up continuing to be appreciative of the kindness of others.

In the past, when he was too young to write, his mom would send us emails with photos of him opening his gift with a huge smile!  She would always write a kind note of thanks, and have Nico phone us to personally thank us.

 Now, following her lead, here is what we received yesterday in overseas post for his most recent birthday gift:

                     What a wonderful gift to give to your children, thankfulness. 

In this season of Thanksgiving, while we are all inspired to think about what we are thankful for, my husband and I have to say that these grandchildren don't let an opportunity go by without thanking those who have been kind to them. They are shining examples of what the holiday is all about.    

I think you can tell how very proud we are of them!   Thank you, my darlings!  (And of course, thank you to their mommies and daddies as well, you are doing a wonderful job!)

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I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN

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I made it back to Ohio without any major difficulties. Actually, I got an upgrade from United and ended up flying back to America from Munich Business Class. Not too shabby. United, you are my new, favorite airlines, thank you! Business class has changed and now they have seats that turn into beds, for heaven's sake! It was fantastic! I watched three movies, ate fairly good food, and drank some great wines on my way back. All went well until we began to land and the pilot had to abort the landing because of the weather. He must have hit the throttle hard because we began to immediately increase speed. We must have flown around for another twenty minutes before he brought us down to a perfect landing.

Our house in Ohio looks wonderful, thanks to my son and daughter-in-law who are living here now. The gardens are abundant, the grass is green, and the house is in tip-top shape. They're doing and awesome job keeping the place up. We once rented our home out when we moved to China a few years back and it was such a disaster that we swore we would leave it vacant or sell it before we rented again. Then, upon our overseas move, the timing was perfect. The kids decided to relocate back into Ohio just as we were leaving for Germany. We are so fortunate to have them here and really care for our home. It makes living overseas so much easier when you know your property is cared for.

Our yard has been in the care of a local lawn service and it has never looked better. The cooler summer this year has done wonders for the grass. Usually at this time of year things have gone to brown for the lack of water. It is wonderful to see everything so green and in full bloom. The roses are bountiful, the daisys are plentiful, and the front perennial garden is overflowing with purple ballon flowers, black-eyed susans, hostas, iris', and many others.

The lilly of the valley are covering the gardens next to the house along with the hostas and as you can see, they are very healthy.

What is a bit strange is seeing someone elses' furniture in our home. We have taken all of our Asian furniture off to Germany with us and have added a few new things from Germany. I haven't broken down and bought a cuckoo clock, a beer stein, or a wooden carved plaque from Germany yet. We even went to the Black Forest where the cuckoo clocks were in every shop window. I held myself back! We're still enjoying the peaceful Asian inspired serenity of our furniture from Shanghai.

Image by uteart via Flickr

If we find that the day comes that we are driven to purchase a German traditional item, I'm quite sure we will consider selling our remainder of Chinese cabinets and tables. But what is really disorienting me is looking at my home with traditional furniture in it. I am home, but I'm not. Really, I'm in my son's home and that is ok with me.