Dear boys,
While it’s the shortest month of the year, February remains the longest stretch of winter in New York: bitter cold and dreary overcast skies. But this year, with Covid restrictions lifted, we decided to brighten things up by taking a trip down South to see Grandma and OT. Grey was excited because it was his first time on a plane since the start of the pandemic, and Grandma was excited because it was a chance to see her grandsons and get away for a few days to Myrtle Beach.
Grandma and OT live just 45 minutes from Myrtle Beach and yet, much to Grandmas’ demise, they haven’t made the trip to the ocean since moving back down south five years ago. I figured it was time to get them to the shoreline to enjoy a few days of family and pampering.
When Grandma first laid eyes on you boys she was so overcome. I was grateful to have captured it all on video. But Cash, the most tender part of your hug with Grandma was that you didn’t let go as she began to pull away. You hugged even longer. When she saw that you are now as tall as OT she couldn’t stop cracking up. “Cash is as tall as you OT! Oh my gosh!” she laughed, “Look at you guys — you’re eye level! Wow!!” Then she turned her head away and began to cry. She was just so grateful to see you boys, awash in feelings of joy and nostalgia. It was such a sweet, sweet greeting.
Grandma was so eager to get to the ocean that she and OT headed straight downstairs after offloading their luggage. “I’ve been dreaming of getting to the water Sarah. All these years, just to walk the beach and reminisce about growing up as a young girl in South Carolina.” We stood on our room’s balcony to see if we could spot them down on the beach. Once Grey’s eagle eyes found them, Daddy called Grandma’s cellphone to tell them to turn around and look up to see us waving excitedly.
We were blessed with blue skies and bright sunshine every day. Everything about the resort was beautiful, but I know seeing you guys brought the most joy to Grandma and OT. Grandma especially. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile that big, since, well, maybe our wedding day. “Oh Anton, you have such a beautiful family,” she said over and over. “The boys are so handsome! I’m just so proud of you, son.”
We noticed OT has slowed down quite a bit as it takes him much longer to get around and he’s very hard of hearing. Grandma shared that he has gotten much more forgetful and his independence is fading. She has to care for him in ways she never used to. I noticed your efforts to make OT feel less self-conscious by slowing down your gait, speaking loud enough for him to hear, without a hint of frustration, and holding doors longer for him. You boys were unfazed by having to repeat things several times and I’m sure your experience with Grandma Roemer has taught you some of that. Throughout the weekend you demonstrated tremendous respect, love and patience for your grandparents and it truly touched my heart. Just as Grandma is proud of her son, I can say that I’m proud of my sons as well.
I love you boys.
Always and forever, Mom