Do you remember the popular song of the 1960’s, Turn Around? It was recorded by several artists of the day including Perry Como, The Brothers Four, and Harry Belafonte. I admit that when hearing it, or thinking of it, that I’m a little sad, and my eyes become blurry with an unexpected tear. Just call me nostalgic – I’ve been called worst.

This week that song has filtered over and over through my mind and my heart. I’m always a little sad as summer draws to an end. The excitement of early May when graduation ceremonies abound, and summer vacations are around the corner, have passed by August, and our thoughts are consumed by a new school year, and the general humdrums of the dog days of summer – Oh, my …

So, here we are on August 8, and I’m a little down in the mouth – but not for long, I’m sure – well, I’m pretty sure. As my sweet granny said, “There are always more taters to fry.” But today, my potato bin seems empty. Wait a minute; there are plenty of fries in the freezer. Yes, I’ll be just fine.

I suppose I was caught a little unawares when recently my ten-year-old granddaughter walked into my house sporting a new hairdo. Now, Pe Paw didn’t even notice, but I sure did. I mean she looks 15 – rather than 10. Isn’t 10 still supposed to be when the children are little and sweet? Oh, she’s sweet and small – in a 15ish looking way. That’s the part that bothers me. She’s growing up too fast.

And so the song floated through my mind one more time.



“Turn Around”

Co written by: Harry Belafonta, Melvina Reynolds, and Rosemary Clooney



Where are you going

My little one, little one

Where are you going

My baby, my own



Turn around and you’re two

Turn around and you’re four

Turn around and you’re a young girl

Going out of the door.



Hmm, I dug out my pictures, and there she is in her first little Christmas dress that Pe Paw and I bought for her – with the Mary Jane black patent-leather shoes. Oh, and here she is at Easter with her little basket searching for eggs in our front yard … Sigh.

Okay, I know that nothing ever stays the same. It really doesn’t – but it wasn’t my idea! I could have soaked up some more of the sweet, little baby stuff. I could have reveled in the joy of introducing our baby grand girl, with the big blue eyes and a soft blonde fluff of hair, all around to everyone, one more time – helping to teach her to wave, “Bye, Bye.”

Yeah, yeah – I know that it’s not all about me. But I AM the Me Maw, after all. Give me some consideration. Sniff … I’m old, and deserve the best that life has to offer for old folks. Well, I’m not that old!

As I’ve reiterated to my two sometimes inconsiderate, but handsome and darling sons, and on more than one occasion, “When you’re my age, you better hope you look as good as I do.”

There, I’ve said it, and one of the sons will be 40 years old in a few months. I’m certainly too young to have such an old son, but that subject is good for a whole column. I’ll save my commentaries until his birthday month in November. I’ve got a lot to say about that.

Oops. Sorry to go off like that, but we (the two of us) understand each other, don’t we? And we can confide – I always feel better after one of our little talks. Sniff.

Oh, she looks so grownup. What is a Me Maw to do?

Think … think … think … what to do – what to do?

Oh, of course. Not to panic … tomorrow her little brother is spending the day with Me Maw and Pe Paw. He’s four. FOUR! Where does the time go? But at least I can still read to him as we sit snug in the big red leather recliner, and he’s very interested in birds, and lizards, and frogs. I leave that part to Pe Paw, though. He’ll bring his favorite movies (I think this week it’s the Chipmunks). Anyway, it will be a wonderful time.

Yes, tomorrow is another day – a day with the grand’s. I’ll forget about turn around, turn around … for right now. Must not dwell on what we can’t change, but enjoy what is ours for the day, and the next day, and the next.

Keep each day happy, my dear friends, until we meet again.