"Grandma, I want to go to the farm!" This had been an earnest plea of my two year old granddaughter, each time I would visit her in her home in Vermillion. So this past weekend, it was her special time to spend at the farm and I was getting myself ready for sharpening my communication - listening skills. With great anticipation, Trina looked forward to her retreat on the farm. As we traveled along by highway, she often asked, "When will we be there?"

When we arrived after our long journey, she was delighted to sit down and have her cup of tea with Grandma, and have some thoughtful conversation. "Grandma, I just love the farm," was her first response and then she continued, "And I want to go to church with you too." I was determined to practice my listening skills, and so she told me all the things she liked about the farm. She is very fond of the mommy cat, and her kittens, and was very excited to see the little calves. "Grandma, look at those cow babies!" she exclaimed. I began to realize that this weekend I would be increasing my vocabulary, with a few new words. Stories about the farm animals were of special interest. The story about the mouse in the house, especially fascinates her. And as I read stories, I was surprised at her long attention span. "Read another story grandma," she pleaded. The weekend seemed much too short for her, as there was so much to explore on the farm. 

When Sunday morning arrived, I was busy in the kitchen and the birds were chirping in the old kitchen range chimney when I heard that cheerful voice in the other room, announcing her awakening. "Grandma, I'm awake!" she joyfully exclaimed. "I am listening. I hear you." I quickly reply. "Is this church day?" she asked. I assured her this was indeed church day. She was excited about the trip to church, and we arrived a bit early. She examined the rooms and noticed that there was a nursery with a teddy bear. Before the sermon she asked to go to the nursery and carried on her conversations with the teddy bear while I tried to get my thoughts together and practice my listening skills in communication. 

Before the long journey back home, we sat down to relax with that cup of tea and her little teacup filled with cow's milk. Her thoughts apparently were on the story about the mouse in the house. The mommy kitty was in the house at the time, and seemed to be investigating the place. "Grandma, do you think there is a mouse in the house?" Remembering this story I quickly replied, "Oh, I believe he may be hiding." "Do you like to have a mouse in the house?" she asked. "I'd rather have a mouse in the house, than have bats in the belfry!" I quickly replied. Looking rather puzzled, she asked, "Grandma, are you alright?" This had been one of her favorite questions all weekend and now it was time for her journey back home. Two miles from the little home on the prairie, she was fast asleep and no more questions the rest of the way.

A warm thought for the week: "We learn so much listening to children." 

Have a super week, filled with warm thoughts. 

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G. Werner

August, 19th 1993

Published in the Marion Record

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Till next time,

Trina