MY SWEET CHARLEY

Earlier this evening I returned home from a four day visit with my granddaughter in New Mexico. Due to circumstances beyond our control Charley & I are no longer able to see each other on a weekly basis.

This was my first visit with her since she & her mother moved on October 20th. It was a huge relief to see her smiling face & be treated to hugs & kisses galore. We played & read & watched movies just like always & I cherished every minute of my time with her.

One of my favorite activities is snuggling up with Charley while we watch movies, Octonauts or Curious George.

Charley, Daddy (my son, Darrin) & I spent a few hours at her favorite "Blue Playground", explored the aquarium, went out to lunch a couple times & generally spent every minute together.

Charley takes after my sister, who she calls Zizi, when it comes to being photographed - she doesn't like it! Selfies with Daddy are about the only time she doesn't protest having her picture taken. I didn't get any good ones at the aquarium or the bugarium.

We won't be the least bit surprised if Charley is competing in American Ninja Warrior in fifteen years. As Darrin says, "Pretty much anything than can be climbed, will be." 

My camera has a 35x zoom so I can sit across the playground, zoom in & get close up shots - at least when I'm not being ordered to play a part in one of her movies or told to "Run, Gaga!"

As Charley & Daddy drove me to the airport this afternoon, my little sweetie must have said "I'm going to miss you, Gaga" about twenty times. I held up pretty well telling her I would miss her, too, but we'll see each other next month & talked about all the fun things we will do.

As I received several enthusiastic hugs & kisses from her car seat while saying good-bye, Gaga started to lose it. I managed to keep my voice fairly even as we said our traditional farewell. Me: See ya later alligator. Charley: After while crocodile. That was followed by more "I love yous", smiles & waves.

I turned to hug Darrin good-bye & was pretty much weeping. Thank goodness I had on my sunglasses. After one more big smile, several waves & a few blown kisses, I turned to walk into the terminal. Once inside I had to sit down, grab a few tissues & compose myself before checking in for my flights.

It hit me again about ten times on the flight home. This little girl has wonderfully & amazingly changed my life forever. Sometimes my travels & my life can be really emotional.