According to Wikipedia, the idiom “Apple of my Eye refers to something or someone that one cherishes above all others.” Without a doubt, this would be my family, or perhaps more specifically and individually, the Apples of my Eye. Yes, my Family Tree is loaded with brilliant, sweet, flourishing “apples”. (OK, this is going to get really cheesy…but cheese goes well with apples, right?)
The first crop consists of my 3 children, though rather a misnomer as they are all now adults. My oldest son, born 9 months after we moved to Kenya (definitely not a wise family planning decision, by the way) initiated us into the joys and angst of parenthood. From colicky, strong-willed and challenging to adventurer, free spirit, advocate for justice and morality, sensitive, empathetic, he has a huge, giving heart. It’s been fun to observe him becoming the responsible firstborn as he watches out for his “aging” parents. My second son, born in the US but raised in Kenya, was as easy as our oldest was difficult. (Well, except when he gave us (and the doctor and hospital staff) a scare after traveling back to Minnesota with a serious, nasty case of Kenyan malaria (as in, what is it and how do we treat that?). He was my cuddler (after the colic), compliant, a high achiever, problem solver, smart, highly principled, an awesome husband and Dad, and a caring and thoughtful son. And then our daughter, my baby, arriving by C-Section- the only one to avoid the colic stage and sleep through the night right from the start (I deserved this). Born in Kenya and known to our friends there only by her Kenyan middle name, she was/is a delight. Thoughtful, professional, sweet, easy-going, smart, always up for a challenge, incredible working Mom, she is my BFF, shopping partner, and the recipient of most of the books I’ve read/enjoyed.
And if this wasn’t blessing enough, we’ve grafted 2 daughters and one Son-in-Love into the Family Tree. I couldn’t have asked for any better spouses for my children, or any more caring and loving “children” for me. They compliment, balance, and love their spouses. An amazing Mom, Dad, and Aunt to my grandchildren- I love each as my own. I won the lottery!
The newest crop of apples- the grandkiddos. 2 girls and a boy from my second son, 2 boys, and another baby-on-the-way from my daughter. Still ripening and developing, I’m confident that they will grow into successful, productive adults, just like their parents. I became “Gammie” when the first grandchild couldn’t seem to differentiate between “ma” and “pa”... and that name has stuck for over 9 years. Because my entire family lives within 30 minutes of us, we see each other often and we get to babysit regularly. Grandparenting is a lot easier, less stressful, much more fun than parenting, and packed with an abundance of unconditional love and hugs! All 5 are sharp, respectful, well-behaved, fun, creative, and a joy to be around. My heart is full.
And lastly, although the first to enter my life and now fully matured to perfection (well, close enough), is my husband. After 42 years, he is still the one I want to continue to do life with. He is the one who knows me better than anyone else…and still loves me. The passion of our twenties has settled into deep, comfortable, and intimate love and companionship. He is caring, loyal, faithful, honest, responsible, intelligent, committed to me and the rest of the family- a wonderful husband, Dad, and Grandpa. I’m going to keep him!
They, all 12 of them, are the best part of holiday celebrations; it has required the purchase of a new folding table in order to accommodate everyone, but how wonderfully worth it. They all still want to hang out with us; miraculously, they still want to go on the annual family vacation together. We are rooted in decades of memories, adventures, traditions and I look forward to creating many more with our growing family. I am a proud and fulfilled wife, Mom, and Gammie… and they are truly the Apples of my Eye.
— cmshingle
The first crop consists of my 3 children, though rather a misnomer as they are all now adults. My oldest son, born 9 months after we moved to Kenya (definitely not a wise family planning decision, by the way) initiated us into the joys and angst of parenthood. From colicky, strong-willed and challenging to adventurer, free spirit, advocate for justice and morality, sensitive, empathetic, he has a huge, giving heart. It’s been fun to observe him becoming the responsible firstborn as he watches out for his “aging” parents. My second son, born in the US but raised in Kenya, was as easy as our oldest was difficult. (Well, except when he gave us (and the doctor and hospital staff) a scare after traveling back to Minnesota with a serious, nasty case of Kenyan malaria (as in, what is it and how do we treat that?). He was my cuddler (after the colic), compliant, a high achiever, problem solver, smart, highly principled, an awesome husband and Dad, and a caring and thoughtful son. And then our daughter, my baby, arriving by C-Section- the only one to avoid the colic stage and sleep through the night right from the start (I deserved this). Born in Kenya and known to our friends there only by her Kenyan middle name, she was/is a delight. Thoughtful, professional, sweet, easy-going, smart, always up for a challenge, incredible working Mom, she is my BFF, shopping partner, and the recipient of most of the books I’ve read/enjoyed.
And if this wasn’t blessing enough, we’ve grafted 2 daughters and one Son-in-Love into the Family Tree. I couldn’t have asked for any better spouses for my children, or any more caring and loving “children” for me. They compliment, balance, and love their spouses. An amazing Mom, Dad, and Aunt to my grandchildren- I love each as my own. I won the lottery!
The newest crop of apples- the grandkiddos. 2 girls and a boy from my second son, 2 boys, and another baby-on-the-way from my daughter. Still ripening and developing, I’m confident that they will grow into successful, productive adults, just like their parents. I became “Gammie” when the first grandchild couldn’t seem to differentiate between “ma” and “pa”... and that name has stuck for over 9 years. Because my entire family lives within 30 minutes of us, we see each other often and we get to babysit regularly. Grandparenting is a lot easier, less stressful, much more fun than parenting, and packed with an abundance of unconditional love and hugs! All 5 are sharp, respectful, well-behaved, fun, creative, and a joy to be around. My heart is full.
And lastly, although the first to enter my life and now fully matured to perfection (well, close enough), is my husband. After 42 years, he is still the one I want to continue to do life with. He is the one who knows me better than anyone else…and still loves me. The passion of our twenties has settled into deep, comfortable, and intimate love and companionship. He is caring, loyal, faithful, honest, responsible, intelligent, committed to me and the rest of the family- a wonderful husband, Dad, and Grandpa. I’m going to keep him!
They, all 12 of them, are the best part of holiday celebrations; it has required the purchase of a new folding table in order to accommodate everyone, but how wonderfully worth it. They all still want to hang out with us; miraculously, they still want to go on the annual family vacation together. We are rooted in decades of memories, adventures, traditions and I look forward to creating many more with our growing family. I am a proud and fulfilled wife, Mom, and Gammie… and they are truly the Apples of my Eye.
— cmshingle
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