Bravery comes in all sizes and shapes. And ages.
When my CA grandson (12) flew out on his own to visit my guy and me, he received his second vaccine shot the day before. We were all a bit worried about him flying with side effects, but when we picked him up at the airport (see Oh, you’re one of THOSE | roughwighting ) he just shrugged and said “I slept for the entire 6 ½ hour flight.”
Our local 11-year-old grandson, Clark, and Sky became best buddies almost immediately. Both boys joined us for hikes at Walden Pond and Mt. Monadnock, ice cream forays, swimming, and hours of Monopoly.
Clark turned 12 during Sky’s visit, so my daughter signed him up for his first Covid vaccine the day after.
“Would you mind taking Clark for his shot?” she asked me.
Sky chimed in, “It’s a piece of cake, Clark. I’ll come too.”
So at 10 a.m. on a sunny summer morning, I drove both boys to the CVS where Clark was registered with an appointment. Sky babbled during the 15-minute drive, “Nothing to worry about,” and “You’ll hardly feel a thing.” And, “just move your arm around afterwards so it won’t be too sore.”
Clark gulped: “Will you make funny faces or something when the nurse pokes in the needle?”
Sky gave a grin and a thumbs up.
At the vaccine desk, Clark gave his name, answered a few questions, and the pharmacist came out with a needle and a smile, leading us to a half-walled alcove. Sky jabbered the entire way, “this will be easy!”
Once Clark sat down and the pharmacist readied the needle, Clark and I looked around. “Sky, where are you?” Clark squeaked.
From the middle of the store we heard Sky shout, “I HATE needles!”
REALLY?
“You promised to make funny faces!” Clark, 12 suddenly turning 5, whined.
We heard Sky’s voice closer. “I’ll stand right outside here.”
Clark and I looked down, where we could see Sky’s shoes poking underneath the alcove . We both rolled our eyes at each other.
“Already?!” Clark asked as if disappointed.
Sky poked his head in. “See? Easy peasy.”
Nothing like best bud cousins. Glad they are both vaccinated. A great post. Thye will laugh about this years later. Have fun with the boys. xo
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I don’t think I’m going to share this with them now because Clark won’t like it that I said he whined like a five year old and Sky won’t like it that I admitted he hid from the needle! But it will be a great story to read perhaps at their individual wedding receptions when they’re about 30 years old. 🙃😜
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Reading it at their wedding would be a great idea.
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Perfect!! 🙂
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A wonderful story
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And even better, it is completely true! ☺️
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🙂
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What a heart warming story!
Thanks for sharing
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed. This is something that they’ll tell their grandchildren about – surviving a pandemic and getting needled.
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🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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How wonderful that your grandsons (cousins?) got along so well. 💙 This is a story I’m sure they’ll both remember. I’m glad they’re both vaccinated now.
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Cousins separated by the big large country – one on the West Coast one on the East Coast but hopefully great friends forever. The fun thing is they now play Minecraft together from their computers. Not that I understand it all but it’s a great way for them to play together from coast to coast.
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Very nice!
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ahhh this is very heartwarming story of two young boys, who for sure will remember this event
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Believe me, I will not ever let them forget this event! Smiling. 😏 Many thanks for your comment. 💜
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Bravery sure does come in many forms — and can lead to a delightful story. I’m glad all worked out well, and no one collapsed from Needle Fear!
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Ha ha. No one collapsed from needle fear and fortunately the side effects have been small. But the memories will be large in their hearts and mine!
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Thanks for the early morning giggle. How wonderful that the cousins could spend time together. I’m glad they are finally protecting the children too. Sky did manage to distract his cousin even without the funny faces.
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Early morning giggles are the best. I am writing to you now early on Saturday morning watching the birds frolic at the birdfeeder and the squirrels jabber at each other. I wonder if birds and squirrels giggle? Yes I am so relieved that at least the kids 12 and over can be protected. And besides needle fear, I have not heard any of the kids complain about being vaccinated! 👍
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What a sweet story! I have a feeling they’ll be best buddies for life.❤️
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I really hope they will be best buddies forever. We were a little worried because they are very different personalities but perhaps that is why they get along so well!
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What a lovely story! I have to give both boys a lot of credit, for different reasons. Such precious and brave grandsons, Pam. I’m glad you enjoyed their presence… together.
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Yes exactly – that’s why I think there was courage on both sides. You’d think Sky would not have offered to come knowing how much he hates needles and yet he tried to “be there” for his cousin. And the other one kept a strong face of fortitude. 😛
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whew!
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Dodged that bullet! By not dodging the needle! 😛
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What an adorable story. You are blessed to be able to spend time with your grandkids, Pam. I hope you had a wonderful time. And woohoo! to them being vaccinated!
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I had such a fabulous time with them even though they beat me in Monopoly! And I took Clark for his second vaccination shot last week and it was even easier peezier. 🤩
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Kids! Go figure!!
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One of the things most fun about spending time with kids is that you never know what will happen next. Cheers to you Jeanne!!
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I giggled through the whole thing. Aren’t they a hoot? Thanks for sharing a morning smile.
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I am smiling as I read about you giggling. Isn’t it fun? To see kids have a good time while trying to figure life out and to be good friends to each other just makes life glow.
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Really and truly. And how cool to have such a wonderful grand who can write about it for them to read later 🙂
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Xoxo
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💞
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Kids do get along when they are young. Nice to know they got their shots. Thanks for your great share, Pam.
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We can certainly learn a lot about friendship by watching how children relate to each other! 🧡
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Yes I completely agree with you. They are so innocent and have no enmity in them.
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Wonderful story, Pam, and ADORABLE grandsons! Loved the pictures, too. The whole story made me smile. 😀 ❤
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These boys are naturals in front of the camera! This day and age children are used to having phones placed in front of them, hearing “smile!” But I’ll tell you, these two boys were smiling ear to ear the entire week they were together. 😁
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It’s frustrating and bewildering that so many people in the USA aren’t getting vaccinated. Miraculous products are at hand, and these people reject them.
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I know, I know. But it’s so wonderful to see the parents who are wanting to protect their children and get them vaccinated as soon as they turn 12!
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A cute story. Needles are scary, but better faced with moral support.
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Or even moral UNDER support. 😏😝
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Love it! ❤
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Thanks Bette! 🤩
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I could totally envision being in the CVS. Glad the moral support helped and thank goodness both of them are now vaccinated. Yay science!
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Yay science and yay 12-year-old boys who are there for each other in whatever way is manageable. 🙏👍
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Thanks for the morning laughs and hugs Pam. Kids are so fun and full of life.
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Being around these two boys gave me double my normal energy and tripled my laughing meter. 😁
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That sounds great! Yay! 😀
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Haha… putting up a brave face is half-way to fighting fears Pam. We need to respect those fears. Only experiences help them dispel. Sounds like you had a wonderful time with your grandkids. Stay blessed.
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You always say things that are so “right on.” I haven’t heard the expression “putting on a brave face” in a long time but that is exactly what happened here with both boys in their own ways. They gave us a big lesson didn’t they?
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That was great! I think it was a great thing that he didn’t tell him how much he hates needles before you left for the appointment.
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Amazing how Sky kept his needle-phobia to himself until he couldn’t any longer. You’re so right, I hadn’t thought of that. He’s a very thoughtful boy. Thanks for visiting here, Kate! xo
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LOL. I can just picture the whole thing, especially those shoes peeking underneath. Glad all went well.
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I should have taken a picture of those shoes peeking under! Good news – no side effects either. Thanks for visiting!!
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Such a lovely heartfelt story Pam!💖💖💖
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Thanks for reading and enjoying my true “vaccination” story, Cindy. 🙂
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I love that Sky encouraged his cousin even when he was afraid of needles. Thanks for this story.
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Best friends/cousins do that – support each other and encourage, despite their own fears. Thanks, Glenda! ❤
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Lol. Sky did a great job despite his fear of needles. Easy peasy. What a funny story, Pam. And I’m so glad they’re vaccinated. I can’t wait until the vaccine is approved for 8 year olds!
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Hi Diana! I know…. wish the wait wasn’t so long for the younger kids. But I also “wish” more adults had the courage/understanding to protect themselves and their loved ones. I figure one “fun” vaccination story at a time might help…. ;-0 xo
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I’m really worried about the younger kids Pam. This variant is on a rampage. I think many of the unvaccinated are starting to get the picture that this is serious. Thanks for your wonderful story.
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I hope you’re right, Diana, that we’ll see higher numbers of people getting vaccinated. It’s for the good of all.
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Love your story. I don’t mind shots, but I don’t like watching others get shots. So I get it.
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So compassionate of you, Patricia. And Sky is like that too. I think he was okay getting needled himself for his two vaccinations, but to see his best buddy get “needled” was a bit too much. :-0 🙂 By the way, I just bought him the e-book of The Last Fallen Star (I’m loving it myself). Many thanks for recommending it!
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Terrific story, Pamela. 😁
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Thanks for enjoying my true “vaccination” story. To boys and their shenanigans. 🙂
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It was fun. Reminded me of Gone with the Wind and birthing babies.
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I also hated needles when I was a kid. (Still not fond of them.) Actually, my COVID shots hurt less than my last flu shot.
Nice to have cousins that also become best buddies.
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True to form, Sky’s dad (my son) hated needles with a passion when he was a kid. He embarrassed me when at the pediatrician’s for his shots – screaming! I’m not sure he’s much better as an adult :-0 but he IS totally vaccinated. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting, Joan. Hope you’re having a terrific summer.
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I hate needles too… but only when they are going into me 🙂 That was such a cute story!
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Haha. But as someone else noted, we’re getting tired of seeing all those needles going into all those arms in the T.V. news. Most everyone just wants to look away. 🙂
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I relate to the fear of needles. I always turn away! Great story and how fun you got both grandchildren together! Both for them and no doubt for you! I’m glad it ended well… I was a bit worried about how the story would unfold. After I got my vaccine I had really awful side effects for over a week . Whew! Glad the boys were ok!
Peta
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I’m so sorry to hear you had bad side effects – for over a week. That’s a long time! My guy was down and out (and I mean really out) for a day. Me? Not so much. The 12-year-olds I know who have received their vaccinations have had little side effects. Most everything is easier on the young!
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This is a story they will tell each other, and any future potential children, for years to come. We are making some memories during this time, that is for sure.
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You’re so right, Arlene. Pandemic memories can be sad and horrific (my mom, my grandkids’ great-grandmother, died from Covid,) but I like adding some levity to those memories, and this one will give them something to chuckle about their entire lives.
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The thing about conquering fears is that it builds more confidence when something else hard comes along that we don’t really want to do.
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So true Pete. I had to laugh because Sky’s father, my son, had a horror of needles during his entire childhood. His screams would embarrass me when the doctor gave him his booster shots. He is a risk taker now and full of confidence, but I think he asks his wife to take their children in for their shots. 😏
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So fun! I love those boys without ever having met them. My kind of kids!
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I must admit they are great kids and I was so energized being around them. A lot of fun. ☺️
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I’m glad Sky was there for Clark. Great story, Pam.
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I think these two cousins will remain friends the rest of their lives. 😌
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I think so, Pam. The relationship is precious. 🙂
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I’m with Sky. I don’t mind shots. I mean, they’re a part of life, aren’t they? When we moved to the Philippines, we had to get typhoid and yellow fever vaccinations, and I think there was one other. Then we had to go back every year or two for boosters. We had 3 little girls, and some of the shots were painful, so it was hard to watch them get jabbed. Personally, I’m okay with shots, but I don’t like watching the needle go in. I’m sure I’m not the only one. So why do they keep showing closeups of vaccinations on TV as a way to encourage us?
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Good question. Several people have emailed me that they totally believe in vaccinations and wish more people would get vaccinated but they wish they would stop showing the photos on TV of the needle going into arms. 😳😉 Sounds to me like you had three very brave young girls. 💜
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Great story, Pam. Your two grandsons definitely look like cousins. How great that they got to spend time together. I love the Monopoly board in the picture. That’s a well-used game at our house!
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We had one rainy day where we played about six hours of monopoly! The one I like the most is the national parks monopoly. I bought Yosemite. ☺️
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Oh we never had that Monopoly. We had the NFL one, Spongebob, and another one I can’t remember. Have you ever played Triopoloy? We have that game too!
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No, never heard of Triopoly. Might have to get that one for the summer vacation with the Grands! 🙂
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You might have to get it on eBay – I’m not sure they make it anymore 🙂
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-giggles- I guess distraction comes in all shapes and sizes. 😀
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I always enjoy your giggles! 🙂
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Pingback: The week gone by — July 25 – A Silly Place
What a cute story, Pam. Glad they’re vaccinated too! 🥰
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I’m so glad my grandkids’ parents (our son and our daughter) made sure their children were vaccinated the day after their 12th birthdays (so far, 3 vaccinated grandchildren). Makes us all feel safer for them and for us. Perhaps they should be “poster children” for TV ads. ❤ (You can hear the byline now – "Despite intense fear and trepidation, these 12-year-olds sat stoically for their shot!") 🙂 🙂
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I think it’s great too, and maybe they should be poster children. Some people need a nudge. 🙂
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Great story!
Perfect title!
Have these cousins met before? Or was this their first face-to-face visit?
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Good question! Yes, they met when they were 4, 7, and 10, each time just for a couple of days. So glad the connection is getting stronger by the year. 🙂 Here’s to needling courage. 🙂
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This will be one of those family stories that they will groan about, then join in telling their own point of view! Glad they’ve gotten their shots, so important.
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It will be fun to hear their point of view when they’re both 25! I’m glad I have MY POV written in ink (and blog). 🙂
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I am glad the two cousins hit it off and the jab went well. I have my first one booked for next week. I didn’t know they were vaccinating kids as young as 12 in the USA.
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So happy to hear you’re soon to get vaccinated, Robbie. Yes, here in the U.S. children 12 and over can get vaccinated. So three of my six grandkids have been “needled.” They had no side effects and truth be told, they were so relieved to have this protection.
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That is such a great story, Pam. Great on so many levels. Your writing bubbles with love and pride, and also injects suspense. Fun title too. Cheers to vaccinating.
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Thanks so much, Jet. There is so much ‘bubbling energy’ with these kids that it’s infectious. Oh, I mean infectious in all the right ways!!! 🙂
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That’s sooo great, I love the telling of this experience! ❤️ and that they are both vaccinated 😁👍☮️
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These boys…. just so much fun!
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Easy peasy, lol. They’ll have something historical to remember between them 🙂 xx
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Haha. YES, historical funny memories for when they’re “old men.” 🙂
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Lol so true 🙂
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xo thinking of you. ❤
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Hugs ❤
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How wonderful Pamela and they will be best friends as well as cousins for all their lives xxx
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I think you’re right, Sally. Memories like this can bond two people forever. ❤
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♥
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You’re so blessed to have grandkids!!!
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I know. I wasn’t so sure, since my kids began their families at the same time (in their late 20s) so each grandkid came six months after the other. Could I handle it? But luckily, they seem to be able to handle ME. 🙂
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LOl!
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Lovely story! Wonderful blessings, these grandkids, and we learn so much from them! 🙂
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Oh, my, sooooo much! ❤
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You grandkids are precious and brave little lads too 🙂
Vaccination or not, needles are still freaky for me!
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Thank you! Brave and silly at the same time. 🙂 Yes, “need”les are not fun, but in these circumstances, we “need” them. ❤
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True that! I got my jab with eyes shut tight and brave face on. 😉♥️
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We are so lucky that we all can get vaccinated. Many of my friends and relatives in Germany are still not vaccinated because they don’t have enough vaccines available.
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I wish more Americans realized how fortunate they are – and take advantage of the life-saving vaccine!
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That’s funny. Sky is lucky he didn’t have any side effects on the plane – a chance I wouldn’t have taken! How did Clark do on the side effects?
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Clark had no side effects either except a little fatigue. Yay!
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Ahhhh – youth! LOL
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Hi Pam, I posted the book review on my blog and I corrected the spelling also. Apology!
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THANK you so much, Miriam! I’ve posted your review/blog post on my Facebook Roughwighting page, adding that the more an author receives reviews on her book, the more books she sells. https://www.facebook.com/roughwighting Many “regular readers” don’t understand the importance of good reviews in places like Amazon and Goodreads. You are the best!
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I know, Pam. Reviews are important. I’ll add that to my FB author page today.
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I recall the story about your grandson flying to visit you and your husband, Pam. Ha, ha, Clark and Sky communicating. Sometimes words and a brave face still hide the fear of needles. We had our 5 year old getting her kindergarten shots with a great deal of advice from her 7 year old sister. The 7 year old demo’d how it would feel and pinched her arm, slightly. All’s well that ends well. Thank you for my smile. 😀
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These two grandsons (and cousins) were entertaining all week long – two funny 12-year-old boys. Love this age. And yes, siblings (and cousins) are a fount of information for each other, as the two sisters prove…. 🙂
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What a brave lad going on a plane like that at just 12.
My daughters flew over to the UK to see me on their own 4 years ago when aged just 13 and 17. My 17 year old was very shy, but her younger sister being more confident asked people if they got stuck. I had given them a “very” detailed document on what to do at each airport and on the plane. They did really well, I am so proud of them.
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Wow! Yes my California 12-year-old grandson was very brave, but your daughters were even braver! But as they say it “builds character.” 😃
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