This story fulfills my fantasy about my Grandma and me. I moved back to the house I grew up to take care of Grandma, who suffered a stroke at 70 that basically paralyzed her right side. I took time off to be with her at the hospital and got her house ready for her eventual discharge. I hired a full time home maker when she was released from the hospital, but that still left her unattended at night and the weekends. Being right handed, Grandma struggled with daily functions using her left side. Since both of us lived alone, I committed to take care of her because she raised me since I was 8. That was the least I could do.
EARLY YEARS
My parents both died when their car was t-boned by a truck racing through a red light. I was in school at the time. My Grandma took me in to keep each other company since Grandpa died from cancer the year before. Losing her husband and then her daughter one after the other completely devastated her. I remembered Grandma rarely smiled for years, unlike the Grandma I knew before. But we at least had each other.
My father was the youngest of 4 from his parents. My mother and her mother didn't seem to get along very well with their in-laws. After my parents died, they became more distant because they were kept busy taking care of their other grandchildren. Being the smallest of the bunch, my older cousins often picked on me. So I only saw them a few times a years during the Grandparents birthday parties, etc.
Grandma was kind of formal and strict raising me. Looking back I now know she was focused on my future. She supervised my homework and kept firm schedules during the week. I enjoyed movie nights in the weekends when I got to choose from interesting titles. The selections progressed from cartoons to Disney and on. We always cuddled and I loved her holding me during the movies.
I found my high school sweetheart in Grade 11 and enjoyed life with her. She was a new Asian immigrant that knew nothing about sex. We started exploring each other during Grade 12 when we were both 18. Grandma liked my sweetheart also so she visited often and 'studied' with me in my room. Grandma likely knew what was going on but said nothing and made great meals for the three of us.
UNIVERSITY and beyond
I attended the local University and stayed at home to minimize costs since Grandma had to support my education even with a scholarship. I worked part time weekends and full time summer to supplement. After graduation with distinction at the top of class, I received the best scholarship to grad studies far away from home. Grandma urged me to broaden my horizons and fly as high as I can. So at 22, I was on my own, far far away from Grandma. We of course kept in touch and I always went home for Christmas and couple of weeks in the summer since graduate study was full time all year.
I was a young Ph.D. with a teaching post before turning 27. Grandma came to my graduation and she was so proud. She almost couldn't stop crying. She missed me and I missed her too so I applied to posts near home and eventually got an instructor position. Grandma was so happy but insisted I live on my own so I found a place near campus.
TODAY
After dinner I said: 'Grandma, would you like to have a movie night for old time sake? But now you get to pick the title.'
She smiled. 'Yes of course kiddo!' So I set her down with a glass of wine and started the movie she picked. We cuddled again but now she leaned on me instead.
After a while, I said: 'Grandma, let me know when you need me to adjust to make you more comfortable, just like the way you let me leaned on you during the movie nights when I was young.'
She looked into my eyes. 'That really brings back those fond memories. I truly enjoyed raising you and you kept me company. We were a great team. I might not have survived if you were not around.'
'Grandma, you are the one that gave me everything I have. I will always be with you.' I kissed her on her left cheek. She turned and our lips touched. I was about to pull back but she didn't move so time stood still for a minute. I wasn't sure if her impaired sensitivity was the reason. I slowly licked her lips and they parted. I slipped my tongue in a little and gently sucked her lips. To my surprise she responded with her tongue.
After a few minutes we paused for air. She looked into my eyes. 'I really missed the love with your Grandpa, but at 48 I just couldn't see myself going out anymore, especially when I had to raise you properly. I was very happy to see you found your high school sweetheart in Grade 12. Every time I heard you two petting and eventually making love in your room, my mind was filled with the sweet memories with my husband. Sometimes I became too aroused I had to help myself. Otherwise my love life ended with my husband's departure.'