Generations of Napping Napping stayed with me, a gift from earliest days, that has aged so well. Briefly, at five years old, I bitterly refused, saying, “No More Naps!” but by six I had outgrown this foolishness. Much later, self-employed on a job site just after lunch, my boss allowed a plywood nap, on a sheetrock pillow- wonderful, thoughtful man he was. Then came retirement, watching myself declining labor, then came the reclining savored. But now, having recently acquired the status of grandfather, napping is an elevated joy. With this new title comes new responsibilities, such as tut-tutting and extensive surmising. Not everyone can master these skills. Some might shirk and return to work as though nothing new this day had come. But I will nap with an infant in my lap as I did a generation ago.
This made me laugh; I also hated naps when I was five. But later... People in Europe have a more civilized attitude than here in the US. I believe in Italy many shops close from say 1 to 3. Maybe not any more... Congratulations on your grandson -- how lovely!
Recently became a grandfather myself! Don’t do naps exactly but I do doze off spontaneously wherever I happen to be, if I’m sitting down and not driving, that is.
So good. My grandchildren are far too big to sleep on my chest or in my lap but they are among my favorite memories … and the much treasured naps continue.
Naps are underrated. My grandpa took a nap every afternoon, and he lived a very long and happy life. I could use one when I experience the afternoon crash, but that usually means caffeine or getting up and moving. Naps are a luxury!
They are a glorious luxury but fortunately I grew up in parts of Europe where they were considered right and proper. Here in Hustletown, USA, no naps allowed, we must soldier on.
I feel this, “but by six I had outgrown such foolishness”
Wonderful!
Thank you Eila.
This made me laugh; I also hated naps when I was five. But later... People in Europe have a more civilized attitude than here in the US. I believe in Italy many shops close from say 1 to 3. Maybe not any more... Congratulations on your grandson -- how lovely!
Thank you Jessica, it made me laugh too. My parents were big on naps. I even wrote a children's story called "No More Naps".
Oh, let's see it! Can you post it here, please?
This is wonderful, Wes!
Thank you Margaret. It’s also nice to be back in New England
Recently became a grandfather myself! Don’t do naps exactly but I do doze off spontaneously wherever I happen to be, if I’m sitting down and not driving, that is.
That is great to hear. When was the baby born?
November 19, a girl. You?
He was born in late March. So exciting.
Yes, big congrats to you!
What a wonderful celebration of one of my favorite things!
Ha, that makes me think of “These are a few of my favorite things.” thank you
Naps and coffee and chocolate
The trifecta of comfort.
So good. My grandchildren are far too big to sleep on my chest or in my lap but they are among my favorite memories … and the much treasured naps continue.
Love to hear it Doug.
Circle of life.
Exactly Stan. Hi buddy.
Sweet-and I need a nap today too! Congrats on your new grandchild-enjoy the naps spent cuddling and bonding with him/her(?) sorry I forgot!
Yes naps with him, Nathaniel Peale Parker Grob.
Naps are underrated. My grandpa took a nap every afternoon, and he lived a very long and happy life. I could use one when I experience the afternoon crash, but that usually means caffeine or getting up and moving. Naps are a luxury!
They are a glorious luxury but fortunately I grew up in parts of Europe where they were considered right and proper. Here in Hustletown, USA, no naps allowed, we must soldier on.
So true! We would be a lot more productive with a little break here and there, as well!
Perfect poem & so expressively read!
I love heavily biased praise! Hub