And so I enter into a new phase of grandparenthood. Preschool. Tonite my daughter-in-law and I went to the preschool orientation for Dylan. I was the only grandma there. Typical. I'm used to that. But what amazed...and amused...me was how many single fathers were there. A few of them in their work clothes - dress slacks, white shirts, ties - but definitely without any female in tow. Hmmmmmmmmm. Family dynamics were beginning to change when I was a young mother but the basic nuclear family - dad, mom, and kid/kids - was still pretty much the norm. Not so any more. I don't know if these fathers are actual 'single' fathers with custody of their little ones...or 'partnership' fathers...or if the mothers were working and unable to attend. It's a cooperative preschool so I'll be volunteering in the classroom two days per month. I'm sure I'll learn soon enough which child belongs to who and how it all circles around and weaves in and out, all the threads that will bind this small group of children together. My daughter-in-law and I both felt comfortable. It didn't feel like any of the women who run it have a 'goddess' complex of being in charge. Everyone was warm and friendly and helpful and informative. School begins Monday. Tally ho and away we go!Today my best friend Lizzee came over to spend the day with me. Oh, I love her. Just absolutely love her. We've been best friends since February 1967. 43 years. Longer than many of you who are reading this have been alive. The year Spencer Tracy died. "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" by the Beatles was released. "A Man for All Seasons" won the Academy Award. The 6-Day War was fought in Israel. Race riots erupted in Detroit, New York City, and Birmingham, Alabama. Thurgood Marshall became the first black Supreme Court Justice. Congress created PBS. Rolling Stone magazine debuted. "The Graduate", "Cool Hand Luke", "Bonnie and Clyde" and "In the Heat of the Night" were all popular movies. We were both 13 years old.
Yes, indeed. A lot of water under the bridge this friendship has stood by and watched trickle down the River of Life.
Amazing.
5 comments:
I envy anyone who has friends from so far back. The closest I can come to that is cousins. God bless my cousins!
Ah, yes; long-term friendships. Wonderful. And grand that you've got one.
Dads at day care. I think you may be in for a surprise about how many single dads there are. Or, even more, SAHDs (Stay At Home Dads).
How exciting to be beginning a new (grand)parenting adventure. I still remember my girls' first day of pre-school.
There is nothing quite like a life long or long time friend. Having those connections are so wonderful as we navigate life's milestones. I'm so glad you had a chance to visit with Lizzie.
I have the feeling that you are going to enjoy working at Dylan's school. Good for you!
My husband goes to "back to school night" somewhat voluntarily, but with three kids, he doesn't have a choice. Often, two of the kids' classes or schools will have it at the same time! He goes one direction, I go the other.
Continue to enjoy your friend. I've had a friend 46 years too.
I admire that friendship. I can say that the longest friendship I have is with my BFF, my twin sister and I've known her as long as we were womb mates...47 years. So beautiful that you both are there for one another.
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