Violet Versus Rhoda

Life is never dull or boring when you have interesting grandkids. Violet is precious but often times I am fearful she may turn into Rhoda Penmark. If you don’t know who Rhoda is, I made that name a link.

I love spending time with her, and well, teasing her. The new thing I do is make her think someone is messing with her. As smart as she is, she buys it every time.  Whenever she’s in my arms, I’ll reach up with the hand she can’t see, give a little tug to her ponytail, tiny flick to the back of her hair, or slight pull to her hair. She’ll immediately look behind her and whether it’s her mom or dad, I’ll say, “Oh my God, baby, what did they do to you. Great One has you. No worries.” And she hug tight to me. So great. Many of times she has refused to go to them. I am her ultimate protector.

Anyhow, the other day we were at Starbucks, I kept her in my arms because of the eye shadow disaster the day before at Rite Aid. And as I was holding her, my ring caught in her hair. I pulled it out and she spun to look behind her. Not wanting to be blamed, I did my stock, whisper in her ear, “Oh my, baby, what did that man do to you.” She gave the dirtiest look to this guy before burying her head in my shoulder blade. “Don’t worry, Great One is protecting you.”

Ok, it was funny, so I tugged her hair again. “Oh, baby, he won’t leave you alone.”

Another dirty look. Head buried. I told her, “Great One is protecting you.”

We went to get our drinks and the man was there. I didn’t realize until I got a good look at him that he was a teacher at Ali’s old high school not only that,  he talks to Ali all the time at Starbucks. He saw us, grinned widely, and with his best upbeat voice said, “Hi Violet. Aren’t you pretty today!”

Well . . . I guess she thought, 'I got this one, Great One.', because with a scream that mixed with a growl, this twenty pound baby took a leap from my grip, her tiny arms extended and mouth open wide in attack mode for this teacher. Good thing I had a firm hold, she was after him.

Poor guy shrieked and jumped back with the most horrified look on his face. I don’t blame him

I knew the reason, Violet thought he pulled her hair. So, I did the only thing I could. I clutched her, shook my head and said, “Wow, what did you do to her? She never acts like this.”

“I was just . . . just trying to say hi. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s ok, something about you must scare her. She’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

Admittedly, I felt guilty after retrieving my drink and leaving with haste. I mean, I only heard good things about this man as a teacher. I’m just glad it wasn't Jesus at Starbuck that she attacked, now that would have been a tough one to get out of.