I rise before the sun in a room that is not my own, but I know it well. This is the room I call The Blue Room. Sometimes I have this room all to myself, but most of the time I share it with my older brother or younger cousin. Today, I am alone in the room as I sleepily stumble out of bed in search of my Grandma. I pass the dresser on my way out of the room and notice the clothes I had worn the day before have been washed and folded. I find it strange that the laundry fairy only seems to visit when I stay with Grandma, but I shrug it off and continue on with my search. I walk across the cold tile floor and head up the staircase that leads into my grandparents room.
Once I enter the large bedroom I shake my Grandma awake. It is very important that I let her know I am hungry. I try to do this with such care so that I do not wake Grandpa. I love Grandpa dearly, but he terrifies me. Being only four years old, I like to be loud and rambunctious and Grandpa is not fond of that. My Grandma seems pleased to see me even though it is barely dawn. She leads me into the kitchen and offers me several healthy food options that I do not find appealing. I ask for hot dogs. Specifically, the hot dogs with the cheese filling. Those are my favorite and I know my grandma has them because she always stocks up on my favorite treats. Nearly twenty years later, I could always count on finding my favorite snacks and juices when I searched for food in that familiar kitchen.
As she warmed up my hot dogs I climbed into her chair at the kitchen table. I love sitting in her comfy chair, it makes me feel special. I contemplate scooting over and sitting in Grandpas chair since he is still sleeping, but I decide against it. He doesn't let me play in his chair the way Grandma let's me play in hers. Grandma is done making my hot dogs and sits down next to me with her cup of coffee and peanut butter toast. The smell of her coffee fills the room. We are both sitting quietly eating our breakfast and gazing out over the beautiful ocean. I see Catalina Island and a few sail boats out in the distance. I begin rambling about whatever I can think of and my grandma leans in as she attentively listens to every word I say. She is always a good listener and she makes me feel like what I have to say is important. It's not long before Grandpa wakes and joins us at the table.
Even at such a young age I knew that these early mornings with just me and Grandma were special, and I cherished every minute.
