A small speckled visitor
Wearing a crimson cape.
Brighter than a cherry
Smaller than a grape.

A polka-dotted someone
Walking on my wall.
A black-hooded lady
In a scarlet shawl.

© Joan Walsh Anglund

Several days ago I had the joy and blessing of spending a few precious days with Lew, Lisa and Scarlett.  How she had grown! The joyous trip was marred only by the fact that Papa (Shep) had to remain home to take care of an acutely ill horse.  He recognized that Nana was anxious to spend time with our little granddaughter as it had been several months since we had last been able to travel.

I regaled in being received with much love and happiness…in seeing the ever unfolding changes that come into the life and growth of a toddler.  I chuckled at her fussings and laughed with her in her moments of surprise and giggles.  I felt the tenderness of her sweet little self and the “butterfly” kisses she sprinkled on my cheeks with her eyelashes.

Somehow I found myself being a thoroughly 21st century Nana.  As we explored a few fun videos on the internet, we came across one that was an instant hit.  The “Ladybug Song” was viewed and sung, sung without viewing, and whispered quietly and gently at bedtime.

At my parting at the airport, Scarlett was inconsolate. Her sweet pleadings and tears rent my heart and brought tears to my eyes.  All the technology in the world cannot take the place of precious and purely given butterfly kisses.  It goes without saying that Nana and Papa will, very quickly, fly to their little ladybug and share giggles and smiles-and perhaps a choice bit of candy as well.

It is so good to know that families can be together forever.