Two peas in a pod

Two peas in a pod, that's what I commonly refer to my dad and Alex. Sometimes I think grandparents were put on Earth to fill the void that parents often create when life is filled with work, school, and the everyday hussle and bussle.

I certainly know that my own Grandma very much served as that person to fill the voids in my life. I watch Alex throw his clothes on and trek through the field and down to my parents on his own and it brings back such fond memories for myself. It was only 20 some years ago I was doing the exact same thing, but trekking up the hill. Alex could spend endless days with my dad whether it is purpose-filled with wood cutting, getting minnows, fishing, hunting, creating burn piles, or just sitting down to have a sandwich, and look through old photos.

Alex often asks me questions after he spends the day with my dad, like "did you get to do all kinds of fun stuff with Papa when you were little?" Which is funny, I'm honest and tell him that we didn't spend a whole lot of time together. Dad was still working, and when he was around his hobbies didn't exactly match mine. But I tell Alex that it doesn't matter, all that matters is that he gets to spend quality time with my dad.

When I was younger I'd hear people say "she spends too much time with her Grandma, or Ruth always has that kid". What they don't know is that I appreciated every damn day I got to spend with her, and my parents are probably just as grateful. We'd play cards, look at old photo albums, the same photos Alex and my dad look at because ironically they used to be stored in my maternal grandparents house even though they were my dad's photos.

This photo is Alex's dresser, and on it Alex has compiled lots of nick nacks that my dad has put together for him, meaningful gifts, along with a photo dad took of him while fishing last summer. All that kid talks about is how he can't wait til next summer when him and Papa can go fishing on Lake Abago every day.

I reflect on this often, especially since my grandma passed away. I see myself so much in Alex when he spends a day with my dad, the things he talks about, and just the overall admiration for someone. I certainly won't hesitate to send him to tag along with Papa, life is too short to worry about overstepping your boundaries because some day you'll wish you had just one more day to spend with that person!