My mind and body are completely frazzled. It was decided that we would visit the children and grandchildren in California for the week of Thanksgiving. The cost of a plane ticket to the Golden State is close to the purchase price of a Caribbean cruise. Which we are thinking of going on next time. The price of a plane ticket to Las Vegas is about half price of the California trip, and you ride on the same plane that we did to California, with California being the layover for the Vegas trip! Next time I’m buying a ticket to Vegas and just getting off at the layover. (Or going on to Vegas)
The traffic was crazy! I read that Californians own three cars to every person. Somehow, they managed to get them all on the road at the same time on our first day! It was like sucking molasses through a straw, it’s slow going and causes a headache. Toddlers were passing us. The elderly on scooters were ringing their bells at us to move out of the fast lane! Ching-ching, ching-ching! I can still hear it in my sleep.
My son Josh is currently in this huge apartment while they are searching for a home. I say huge because I never saw all of it. It has three stories. Our guest room was on the bottom floor, while the kitchen, dining and living areas are on the second floor with bedrooms on the third. I never reached the third floor. Possibly, I was so tired by the time I go to the second floor that I forgot that I was headed further up. The routine of their household changes when we get there. We are awaken every morning by two small humanoids climbing into bed with us, slapping our faces and proclaiming, “We’re hungry, can you fix us sumpin’ to eat.?” My first utterance is, “Where are you parents?” Then Betty gets up and climbs the stairs to the kitchen. Each morning I wanted to just lay there for a bit and prepare for the day, but when the grandchildren get up, laying anywhere for a bit is over. Above my head, on the next floor, it’s like a hundred tiny pirates with peg legs are swabbing the deck! And it goes on and on for ever. I, to this day don’t know where they’re going for so long of a time in such a confined space or why they never get to their destination, but the thumping just seems to never end. So, I crawl up the stairs to the upper deck and there they are. They’re watching cartoons and eating every sticky thing from the pantry. Upon seeing me reach the summit of the staircase, they come running, sticky hands and all. They jump and adhere to me like we’re wearing velcro suits (remember the sticky) and squeal at the tops of their lungs. The sound is frightening! It’s like a herd or flock or gaggle of dolphins! The sound is so shrill, that dogs are barking outside. Bats are falling from the sky! And that goes on all day long. ALL DAY LONG! Five days! I’m frazzled!!!
I’m sitting here in my easy chair soaking in the quiet. Oh my, how peaceful.
But you know, thinking back, those high, shrill little voices were so sweet when they were directed at me to say, “Hey SuperDave, come sit with me. SuperDave, can you help me do a puzzle? SuperDave, I love you!” The more I think about it, those are some of the sweetest voices I’ve ever heard. And, if truth be told, I’m kind of part of the “sticky.” I have candy and gummy sharks with me at all times. You never know when a skittles emergency could just break out! Children need CANDY! And, the craziest thing, they were watching cartoons from the 50’s and 60’s on the Disney channel. The toons were hilarious. Cartoons I haven’t seen since I was their age. They sat in my lap and we laughed at Donald and Mickey every morning. When the cartoon changed to a new old one, the little boys would get up and ran around the furniture while I chased them. Fortunately, the toons were practically back to back so chase time was short for me. Those kids are the fastest runners I’ve ever seen. And they can jump like frogs! It was so much fun to see them race and slide on that wooden floor. I helped them organize a course from the guest bath to the easy chair on the far side of the room. If ever there is a “bathroom to recliner” relay in the Olympics, these kids have a real shot! And you know, they’re the sweetest the first thing in the morning when they climb into your bed and hug you close and pat on your face. Wow, what a great way to wake up, with a little face in your face loving on you. And, I noticed that, after five days of stair climbing, I actually felt a little better. Might have even lost a few pounds. I’m thinking about climbing stairs every day so maybe I could live a little longer to watch these precious children grow.
I was just reading this morning that timing can be very important in driving on the California highways. There are peaks and valleys in congestion and if you are careful, you can plan it just right to hit the roads with the least amount of slow downs. And, if I charged more on my Visa card, I would have more flight miles so the price of a ticket would be minimal. Plus, if we don’t go to the Caribbean or Las Vegas, we’ll have extra money! I could use it to buy candy and gummy sharks so I’ll be ready when I get there to greet the grandkids!
Man oh man, we had a great trip to California. I’m not sure why we didn’t stay longer. I am psyched and energized to head back.
I sincerely hope you had a great time with your loved ones this holiday season. Long before the church was established, God created the family. Remember this wonderful time of year for reflection on what God has done for His people, that the reason for the birth, was the death. Though that sounds like a downer, don’t forget that Christ freely gave himself that we might be saved. That is great cause for celebration. Thank you all for your prayers this year and your financial contributions. With God moving on hearts to help us financially, we carry on to another year of reaching people for Christ. Tax deductible donations can be made on line at davidcrain.com, or sent to the address on the website We’ve had a wonderful year of ministry and are looking forward to another in 2020. God bless you all and may you have an awesome new year in Jesus.
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