Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat – David Wainland

NA, NANA NA-NA

By David Wainland

Last week, while visiting my daughter’s family in New Jersey I got the opportunity to baby-sit for my grandkids. At one point, my three and a half year old granddaughter, Hannah, put her hands on her hips and leaned into my kneeling face.

 “Na nana na-na,” she chanted.

 Then she looked me in the eye, smiled a slightly crooked grin and whispered, “So, how does that make you feel?”

If you listen closely, something I may not have done with my kids, they say things that strike to the heart of the moment.

My daughter adopted two of my three “Grandees,” lucky for me and even luckier for them. The third, Skylar, my son’s daughter is a tale for another time.

Matthew, the eldest, was born in Guatemala. Lisbeth and my son-in-law, Mark, traveled to that small country almost seven years ago and brought him out. I say brought him out because abandoned children, those not adopted, do not fare well in that land. They become street kids and gang members. Many die before they leave their teens.

I met him at the airport in Charlotte, N.C. The kids asked me to drive up from Florida and meet them. I was never happier. As they moved through the ramp, leading to the gate my heart was beating wildly and I doubt being in a delivery room could have been more exciting.

All at once, Lis stood in front of me holding him out and said, “Do you want to go to your Poppy?” I know he did not understand, but he smiled a toothless lopsided grin and fell into my arms.

Na nana na-na. So, how does that make you feel?

Hannah is bi-racial and entered our lives almost four years later. She was born in Virginia and was barely a month old when she joined our family.

Here is the best way I can describe this little hellion.

“Wild thing, you make my heart sing.”

One day, a while back, I asked her if she remembered attending our fortieth anniversary party. I reminded her that she had danced all night.

“Yes Poppy,” she said. “Because if you quit dancing then the music stops.”

Na nana na-na. So how does that make you feel?

            Two years ago, all my grandkids were visiting including Skylar the blond haired imp orphaned by the premature death of my son. She was two and Hannah one and a half.

            Hannah hugged my leg, smiled and said, “Hi Poppy.”

            Skylar responded by grabbing my other leg and snarling at Hannah.

            “Mine,” she growled.

            Na nana na-na. So, how does all that make you feel?

Now here is something to think about, having grandchildren is so cool that given the opportunity I might have skipped being a parent and gone right to Poppy.

David Wainland

david@davidwainland.com