Five Years Ago Today

Five years ago today, my phone in Las Vegas rang about 8:30 in the morning. It was my daughter Jennie who didn’t usually call so early in the morning.  I asked if she was planning to give birth later in the day. “He’s already here,” she said.

I jumped in my car, drove to Valencia, connected with my sister Margaret and Zoe and we headed to the birth center at UCLA where I met the newest member of our family. I had no idea what adventures were on their way.

In just a few short years, I have a memory bank full of stories about this amazing little boy whom I call Zachy. I will never forget the day three years ago when I was wondering if I’d ever find a new home for myself and feel settled again. As I was walking across the room, he ran at me, threw his arms around my knees and yelled, “Yeah, Grandma!” I’ve never felt more loved.

Recently, I’ve introduced him to tools and he’s delighted in learning to use a hammer, screwdriver, paper cutter, and stapler. He also had taken up beading and brings his trademark thoughtfulness to each new project.

Last year, he was spending the night during the opening ceremony for the Olympics. We sat silently listening to Elgar’s magnificent Enigma Variations and when it was over, he looked at me and said in a whisper, “That sounds like love.”

Earlier this year, Jennie was asked to write a profile of Zachy for his preschool. She did a great job of capturing him. It’s a reminder that a life doesn’t have to be long to make an impact.

Zach was born within 8 minutes of our arrival at the hospital. In true Zachy style he didn’t feel the need to wait for the midwife. I’m pretty sure if he could have talked he would have said, “Don’t worry, Mom. I know what I’m doing.” That independent spirit has been the driving force of his personality.

As soon as he could walk he would venture off, never looking back, never worried that he wouldn’t be able to find me.

Not surprisingly, Zach loves to travel. He has a real curiosity for new places. One of his dreams is to go to Venice so he can taste their gelato.. I expect that when he’s an adult I will get calls from remote parts of the world.

Zach is his calmest when he’s working in the yard. He takes pride in trimming the plants and making sure they have enough water. He’s looking forward to planting our first vegetable garden this spring. For him, I think the joy is twofold. He is eager to watch the vegetables grow, but he is also looking forward to being able to provide food for the people he loves.

Zach spends a lot of time thinking about things. While it sounds funny to say that a four-year-old is grappling to understands life’s existential questions, it’s true for him. He has a poetic spirit and a deep desire to understand our world.

While he may not always seek the company of others, he’s usually pondering how he can make his community a better place. If you can leave him alone with his thoughts long enough, he’s sure to come back with some great ideas.

“How do you know that, Zach?”%0