I grew up directly across the street from my grandparents. They lived in an old farmhouse on what used to be the dairy farm for which our street was named. Every Friday night, my mom would pack my little red “I’m going to Grandma’s” suitcase and my dad would walk me to the end of our driveway.
From there, I would beat feet fast as I could to avoid the werewolves I was sure were stationed in the shadow of each of their huge trees.
But as soon as I hit the light from their front porch, I knew I was safe because Grandpa was there waiting on me. He’d take me inside to where Grandma was slicing apples and “popping corn”. We would pass our evenings in various ways, but the nights always ended up in exactly the same way.
We would trudge up the stairs to the bedrooms, Grandpa taking the spare so I could sleep with Grandma. We’d watch the 10:00 news only through the weather report, then we’d shut the TV off and Grandma would read to me.
I can still feel the fabric of her nightgown under my cheek as I rested my head on her belly so I could follow along. We read through the Little House on the Prairie series more times than I can count. Which was quite a feat, because we only read one chapter a night. Even when I begged for just one more, she would laugh and remind me that we would have next Friday to read the next chapter.
I’ve been an avid reader ever since.
There is just something about an old book, isn’t there?
The creak of the bindings protesting as you open their pages for the first time in what has likely been decades.
The musty smell of the old pages, still holding on to their secrets.
The comfort they give off at a glance, the escape they provide when given the chance.
I still love nothing more than an hour curled up with a good book. My methods have changed with the times, which provides the true luxury of having an entire library at my fingertips.
But somehow it just doesn’t have the same appeal, does it?
Truth be told… I have a Nook Color and I have yet to read one book on it. I’m not sure I can bring myself to do it. I play games on it instead. Sigh…
This was such a sweet story!! Thanks for sharing something so personal. It has me thinking back to spending a week with my grandma each summer growing up.
You’re very right about books though- the new e-readers just can’t compete with the feeling of a good book.
I think many of us have our own versions of our “Going to Grandma’s” story and reading yours was so sweet. Thanks for sharing! It makes me think of my own as well. You’re totally right, I keep going back and forth trying to decide to get a tablet. I have an iPhone and just can’t quite justify the purchase yet. There is nothing like the feel of a book in your hands though.
Thanks for sharing this story, Amy. It brings back sweet memories of visiting my own grandparents.
I loved this post, such a sweet story. I have a kindle and I love it but it’s still not the same as curling up with an actual book.
I loved reading this post and learning a little more about ou and your red suitcase. Thanks for opening up and sharing… It was beautiful!
What a sweet memory. How lucky that you got to spend so much time with your grandparents. A tradition I know you will be allowing Junior as he gets older.
Ahh, books. A secret treasure that only a reader would know. I remember drifting off to sleep with tales of far away lands. Like you, I’m still an avid reader. But I stick to the old fashioned pages. Can’t see myself with a Kindle (yet). There’s something wonderful about the tactile feel of the paper as you turn each page.
By the way, love the chair. Did you paint it like that?
Nope! I bought it at a flea market for $5 and left it exactly as I found it!
SUCH a sweet post. Makes me think of spending the night with my own grandparents.
Some things don’t change. Like us gramma’s, but I hope my grands don’t think there are werewolves in our trees.
~Bliss~
We got some old books this weekend
I love the way they look. Growing up, my mom taught me how to read with the Little House on the Prarie series, which is why I think I like series and why I can’t stop myself from reading. I feel the same way about having a book (I still go to the library and have yet to get an e-reader)!
Great post and great writing as usual!
I still buy the books. Probably because I don’t read enough to warrant buying a kindle 
haha
Ooo, you’re a girl after my own heart. I have my grandmother’s original Louisa May Alcott books and have the most wonderful memories of reading them with her. Nothing can replace the feel of real pages… just my opinion.
xo Heidi
How neat that you still have them!
I loveeee reading too, and while I <3 my kindle, it's just NOT the same as a real book. I used to make my mom go to the book store at least once a week when I was little. I would take the books back that I already read, get credits towards a new one, and the cycle would continue. Ahhhhh…the good ol', less hectic days before technology ruled all.
Hehee… sounds familiar!
You also packed up that little red suitcase when you were mad at me, lol. Sweet memories. I hope Severin will have such memories of us
I never got mad at you!
You know he will….
Definitely not the same! I have fond memories of both of my grandmas telling me stories before bed, or watching a favorite show together.
This was a LOVELY, lovely post! What great memories to treasure. And no, electronics simply don’t have the same appeal.
Thanks Katie!
What a great memory! I have a kindle and I pretty much couldn’t live without it, but I still have to buy my favorites in hardback. There’s something about it that I can’t give up even though I’ll probably never read them that way.
This is so tough. I’m a total bookworm & lurve my books. But, they are SUCH a pain to move (i’ve been doing too much moving lately) and they really require their own space (which I’m not against). But the ease of a simple little electronic rectangle that holds it all. It’s smart, but I haven’t been able to bring myself to actually buy one yet, even if my shoulder is always annoyed at lugging a book everywhere I go.
This made me smile! Grandparents are so great. I’m sure reliving this memory was great for you! I don’t have a kindle, but I can see the pros of not having to lug books around. But then again, you know how old school I am
LOVE this post!
Nice story. Grandparents are the best. Hope you still manage to avoid the werewolves!
What a lovely story…and I love the idea of a parent’s night alone every Friday (your parents were smart!)
Amy, that is so sweet! My grandparents lived in the house behind ours, so I could just go through the fence:) Loved Little House too, I tried it with my kids but I think they might be too young:)
Jessica
Exactly. I embrace technology, but I like paper pages.
Amy,
I am at my desk at work and am crying fresh tears for my Grandma today. Thank you for taking me back 30 years to the touch of my grandma’s nightgown. Thank you helping me connect with her again. She has been gone a couple of years now and remembering her for a moment makes me sad and happy in the same breath.
I completely love everything about this post.
I have kindle on my phone and can hardly concentrate on a book because I’m always getting dinged about emails and facebook happenings. Old books > new technology.