The phone rang at around 5:00 PM my time. Normally, I’d be a bit irritated with the caller, as it was dinnertime, but a surge of excitement grasped me when I heard my grandson’s voice on the other end. He hadn’t called in weeks, maybe even a month, and I hadn’t been able to call him. The mere sound of his voice evoked a consecrated, overwhelming pleasure. “Hi Grandma! I miss you!” …showed first 75 words of 805 total…

…showed last 75 words of 805 total…something fast to keep him from hanging up. I cherished these moments, and I couldn't let a second slip away. "How was school today?" I asked hopefully. "It's Saturday gramma!!!" he giggled. I already knew that it was Saturday, but at least I'd amuse him. Or at least I hoped I had and that his laughter was not a result of Eva or Gabe's incessant tickling. I wouldn't let them take that away from me.