Diary of a Modern Gran: It’s The Little Things That Count

By Jane Corry

‘Gan Gan!’ trills my seven-year-old granddaughter when she comes rushing out of school into my arms. ‘Can you keep this safe, please?’

She hands me what looks like a splinter. In fact, I can barely see it in the palm of her small, sweaty hand.

‘It came from an apple,’ she announces proudly. ‘Someone at school told me that if I planted it, it will grow into an apple tree. Then we can eat as many apples as we want.’

I can see now. It’s a pip. I’m torn between panic that we’re going to lose it between the school gates and the car and moral concern about whether I should warn her that this might not quite make it into an apple tree – let alone a bountiful supply of apples for her to eat.

But who am I to puncture a child’s dreams? So somehow, I manage to keep the tiny pip safe in my left hand, while linking one arm into my granddaughter’s, and the other into my grandson‘s, as we weave our way through the incoming and outgoing passenger traffic towards the car.

Now for the next stage of this rescue operation! Somehow I have to stop this pip from dropping on the floor of my not very tidy car. I have a feeling that it might not be easy to find if I do.

‘I’ll hold it,’ insists Rose.

‘I’ll help her,’ pipes up George.

Goodness knows how we all get back safely, but we do.

As soon as I get into the house, the search is on for a suitable container to plant it in. I happen to have a stack of old flowerpot containers in our garden but it takes a long time for Rose to choose the most suitable one.

Pic: Shutterstock

‘This one is perfect!’ she finally announces. ‘Have you got the pip?’

Yes. No. I think so. Phew. There it is on a little saucer.

George and I help her plant it. Both their faces are shining with excitement. It feels as though we are doing something really special – and it is, I realise.

Because all too often in life, we forget the importance of small things as we rush around with our chaotic lives. I have to admit that I’ve been a bit stressed in the last few weeks. A lot is going on.

My new novel is about to be published. I’m doing lots of publicity events and writing features about my story, which is set in the Second World War and the present day. And I’m also trying to be a good gran, mum and wife. Just as well that my husband is used to being on his own after years of bachelorhood!

I had some sad news from a friend I’ve known from my days as a young mother, who I am trying to comfort. And as for the pile of washing that needs doing and my study which needs a good tidy-up, I don’t even want to think about it.

But when I think back to my own childhood, it’s the small things that really stand out as being important. The fossil which my godmother helped me find on holiday in the Isle of Wight when I was nine. (I still have it in my ‘treasure box’ which my grandchildren love rifling through.)

The pink and black striped dress that my mother made from a woman’s magazine – she always made our clothes – and how I ripped it almost immediately by catching it on the door handle. (I expected to be told off but my mother was wonderfully kind about it.)

And the apple tree – the only one in our garden – where I used to sit on the lowest branch and read books from as young as I can remember. That apple tree had once been a pip. Perhaps a child had brought it home one day in his or her hot little hand. Who knows?

Meanwhile, Rose, George and I are going to water this ‘pippy’ as it’s become known and look after it. You never know do you?

Maybe one day, my grandchildren’s children will be sitting on its branches.

Meanwhile, it’s made me determined to follow Rose and George’s example and take delight in the small things in life which put the rest of the world in proportion.

What kind of small things have given you pleasure in life? Please email us at moderngran@dctmedia.co.uk.

Ask Agony Gran

Thank you to Elizabeth in Berkshire, who asks…

I’m rather embarrassed about this but here goes! I’m in my early 70s and have been widowed for ten years. Recently, a neighbour (whom I’ve known for several years) has started inviting me to go on walks with him and also going to the cinema. It’s purely platonic although I think we are both secretly attracted to each other.

My son, who recently came to stay with his children, wasn’t very happy when I told him about the walking and cinema trips. He says that I ‘have to be careful’ about relationships at my age. What do you think?

Jane says:

Dear Elizabeth,

It’s not what I think. It’s what you think that matters! Some people might think that your son’s views are irrelevant too but I understand the need to keep peace.

However, if it was me, I’d see how things go. Maybe your neighbour sees this as a purely platonic relationship. If he does make a move, go by your instincts. We’re not teenagers any more. Life doesn’t go on for ever.

‘Your son has a point about being ‘careful’. He doesn’t want you getting hurt. But it’s hard to avoid that in life. This could be the beginning of a kind, loving relationship. If it does, try to explain to your son that it is nice to have this – and that at times, you’ve been very lonely.

Don’t expect him to immediately understand. Part of him will be grieving for his father and upset that you’ve found someone else.

These things take time. Good luck.

If you’ve got any views on Elizabeth’s situation, please email us at moderngran@dctmedia.co.uk.

Where To Take The Grandchildren

Ribble Steam Railway, Lancashire

Chain Caul Rd, Riversway, Preston, Lancashire. PR2 2PD

01772 728800 enquiries@ribblesteam.org.uk

Enjoy a three-mile return trip on this amazing steam railway plus a visit to the industrial heritage museum, exploration centre and an outdoor playground. There are lots of special events throughout the year. Details are on the website. www.ribblesteam.org.uk

Family News

The charity Barnardo’s is encouraging parents, grandparents and other carers to be extra vigilant. It warns that ‘more children are at risk of exploitation this summer, as families struggle to afford activities and children spend more time without adult supervision – online or out in the community’.

The Funny Things They Do And Say

Thanks to Alan for sending this in.

‘We’ve recently booked a family holiday for my children and grandchildren. When my husband got to the part about booking luggage, he began moaning about the cost of luggage. Then our 15-year-old piped up and said ‘Don’t worry, grandad. I’ll leave my school holiday homework behind. That will lighten the load!’

That made me laugh! It also took me back to the days when we had to do holiday homework. Thank you, Alan.

If anyone else would like to send in their grandchildren’s ‘funnies’, please email them to moderngran@dctmedia.co.uk.

Book Of The Week

THE CASE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE INTRUDER BY KEREEN GETTEN. Pushkin Children’s. £7.99

Fayson has always wanted to be a detective. But can she solve the mystery of the mysterious shadow around the lighthouse?

Grandparent Tip: In The Bag!

I’ve managed to cut down on rubbish in the car by having a small pedal bin liner bag in my driver’s side pocket. I just pass it round to my grandchildren after a car trip and get them to put their sweet packets etc in it! Then I throw it away when we get out.

Sheila, Wiltshire

Thank you for this, Sheila. However, we would also warn readers to make sure that small children are not left unsupervised with plastic bags.

Your Feedback

‘I was interested to read about the grandparent who doesn’t like outdoor shoes in the house. I started this rule when one of my grandchildren trod in dog mess and unfortunately brought it in the house. I also provide slippers of different sizes for visitors.’

Alison, Croydon

One House. Two Women. 80 Years Apart.

If you enjoy reading, you might enjoy my new Penguin novel COMING TO FIND YOU. It’s about Elizabeth who runs a seaside boarding house in the early 1940s and is – to her amazement – recruited into Churchill’s Secret Army. Fast forward 80 odd years, and her best friend’s granddaughter Nancy now owns the house. But Nancy is running away from a terrible crime. Can her research into Elizabeth’s life help her do the right thing?