Tuesday of last week I got to take my granddaughter Brooke to day care. I was called into day care delivery duty because Brooke’s mom and dad were taking Brooke’s sister Ellie to the hospital early in the morning to have tubes put in her ears.
Side note here: We had tubes put in our kids’ ears over 35 years ago, and back then they made us and the kids suffer through a number of ear infections —seven or eight documented office calls — before they would put them in. That is still the case today, and you have to ask yourself why? The answer in my mind is simple — billable office calls.
Back to my early morning day care delivery responsibilities. Due to the early hour that I reported to Brooke’s house, she was still sleeping. Her mom, dad and sister left around 5:45 a.m. so Brooke was still asleep.
My goal was to have Brooke to day care shortly after 7 a.m. so I could get to work before 8. I waited until 6:30 to wake her. I probably should mention Brooke is 3 years old, so waking up to grandpa even though she was aware I was going to be there was a bit of a ... let’s say ... change of pace.
The next half hour was consumed by the normal morning routine schedule of using the bathroom, washing her hands and face, brushing her teeth and of course brushing her hair. The last item on the list was the one I was worried about the most. Even at the early age of three, little girls can be a bit fussy about their hair.
I served up a healthy breakfast of an icing-covered donut topped with sprinkles.
Soon it was time to depart for the day care center. Once Brooke was buckled up on the back seat, we were on our way.
I should tell you even getting ready, having breakfast and driving to day care, Brooke hasn’t uttered a word since waking up.
We walked into day care together, Brooke showed me where to put her book bag, and she was off to meet her day care friends.
I said goodbye and as she turned to me, her little chin started to quiver as if she was about to cry. I turned and headed out the door as my chin was doing the same thing. By the time I was in the car, there was a steady stream of tears.
I don’t know what it is about grandkids, but they are special.