two grandmas

Just came back from a trip. We (dad, mom, grandma (on my mom's side - Kazuko) and I) went to my dad's hometown to meet my grandma (on my dad's side - Michiko). The two grandmas get along really well and this was their second recent trip together, but the last time Kazuko visited Michiko's place was when my parents got married which was 30 years ago, so this trip was kind of special. Everything was my dad's idea and I thought it was a very thoughtful present for the grandmas.

We stayed at a nearby hotel with a great view of the ocean and we even got to see a short firework. I always enjoy watching the two grandmas together because they're the complete opposite though they're the same age - 83.

 

Kazuko usually tries her best to avoid every risk she can think of - especially all the health risks. She loves to visit doctors and is a hardcore perfectionist - one of the reasons why it's sometimes difficult to please her. She used to work at a makeup company until she was 75, made a lot of money, and brought up three daughters.

 

Michiko on the other hand never thinks about risks, acts before thinking, and is really laid-back - she's pretty much happy with what she has. She rarely visits doctors and still works at the cycling shop her husband used to run. She never made more than enough money, but raised two sons.  Last time we traveled together (she was over eighty by then) she gave us a dance lesson.  Her rumba steps were amazing!

 

Of course I like both grandmas but I've noticed that Michiko is more happiness-prone (if that English makes sense).  It was kind of funny, because during the trip, Kazuko would occasionally comment on Michiko's remarks and say "I see, I *must* learn to think like Michiko" but the whole point of Michiko's way of thinking is that she doesn't have all those "musts" in her life, and she doesn't compare herself with anyone.  Well, she might, but she doesn't dwell on things she can't do anything about.  Kazuko on the other hand ends up comparing what she doesn't have and what Michiko does, and links her "unhappiness" to "the lack" of things she thinks she lacks.  It's really ironic because materialistically, Kazuko is much richer.

 

Either way, the grandmas are really good friends but they never would've met if my parents hadn't.  I thought it was nice how marriage could bring people together.