Grandmother's Visit, written by Betty Quan and illustrated by Carmen Mok. Groundwood Books, 2018. $$17.95 ages 7 and up

"I like washing the rice
until the water becomes so
clear you can see every
tiny white grain. Grandmother
remembers when she was a
little girl just like me. Her
fingers were too small to
measure the water, so she
would dip her braid in
until the water reached her
ribbon."

Loving grandchildren unconditionally is the greatest joy for grandparents. Today, as I celebrate having family with me on Canada Day, I am aware of how joyful and strong those connections are. It reminds me of this story of a young girl and the love she shares with her grandmother. They are blessed to spend hours each day together. 

Grandmother is visiting with her family, teaching her beloved granddaughter the secrets to cooking rice perfectly, telling her stories of life in China, and walking her to and from school each day. They like to make meals together. The time comes when all that changes. Grandmother no longer walks her grandchild to school, and a sadness has settled over the family home. Visiting with Grandmother in her room is no longer an option. Then, one day, the room is empty and everything changes forever.

The little girl, while sad, will always have memories to keep her grandmother in her heart after their final goodbye. While I do not want this to be the case for us anytime soon, I know that making memories with family has a lasting connection for all who share joyful experiences.

Sad, and absolutely beautiful. The chance to understand some aspects of Chinese culture through words and pictures makes it memorable, and will be welcomed by those whose background is evident here. At its center is the love shared between grandparent and grandchild, no matter the traditions or experiences.

Today we will make new Canada Day memories with sparkly headbands, face tattoos, spinners, and a meal served on Canada Day plates. It will be just one of the many things we do over our month together. I know those memories (whenever they are needed) will invite animated chats about our 2019 summer adventure, and keep us reminiscing until the next time we have the chance to spend quality time together.