A Few Days in Colorado

As I stated in the last post, I had the chance to spend a few days with my grandparents (and aunt, Dad's sister who lives near Denver) in Colorado this past Wednesday-Sunday.

It was a very nice visit. I have enjoyed going out there since I was a kid. They had me out for a visit on my own for the first time when I was 10, and I've been out several times since. I had not been in four summers, so I figured it was time.

In those early visits, every day was meticulously planned with activities to entertain a kid: movies, fishing, trips to the mountains, shopping, swimming and the like. As I've matured, and they've slowed down, visits are much more laid back. We talk a lot about school and politics and life. We read a lot--a former newspaper publisher, Grandpa still reads 3-4 different papers a day. And we still shop, eat out, and travel into the mountains. They also enjoy driving me around Fort Collins to show me what's popped up in since I last visited, as the city has grown a lot in the nearly 20 years they have been there, and continues to...a big city with a small town feel.

Of course, at 84, they move a bit slower and take more naps then they once did, but I am impressed by how healthy and active they are, still getting out and about each day. They know how fortunate they are, as they watch friends decline--and I'm thankful that I can continue to benefit from their love, wisdom and experience. Despite the long distance we have remained close and see each other almost every year, one way or another.

Great old folks, indeed.