I got to see my mom while visiting my brother and his kids around Halloween. She and dad made the drive from PA to Connecticut for costumed mayhem at Loomis-Chaffee where he teaches.
I’m from a football-playing family—my dad coached, brother played for the University of New Hampshire, and now he coaches the game—plus we’re from the football playing corner of the state, so the Saturday morning soccer scene is a novelty to us. We were treated to a classic New England fall morning for my nephew Ivan’s game.
Ivan scored a goal, and so did his buddy Will. Their team won and played a great game for a gang of 6-year-olds. Good ball, nice footwork, excellent passes, kept the action moving down the field. I was really impressed.
My grandma (Mom’s mom) turned 96 this week. Ninety-six! When I asked if that was true, she said, “I was born in 1912, Lizzy . . . you do the math.” She’s still pretty sharp, and a lot of her state of being has to do with my folks and their home-cooked meals, fresh veggies, frequent visits and playing cards and scrabble and keeping her on her toes best they can.
M&D’s trip to Connecticut was a quick getaway. Maddie and Ivan can’t get enough of them. It goes both ways. I’ve never seen my mom more radiant than when she’s around her grandkids.
There’s absolutely no question which kid is the Reap kid on the soccer team. How’d he get Karen’s hair. I’m having a much harder time figuring out which dad is TJ. I’m glad to hear that your grandmother is still going strong.
I love learning about your life away from bike racing.
What a great photo of you and your mom!