Recently, my adored 7-year old granddaughter called and asked if she could come over the next day. I get busy and sometimes think it is time for a dose of my lively granddaughter, but, do not act on my impulse. Just lately, she has begun to call me and invite herself over. I'm so glad that she does.

A phone call from her always delights me, and I feel honored that she enjoys her Gram enough to want to spend time with me. She lives only 15-20 minutes away, so, the distance makes visits easy and often.

The last time she was over a few weeks ago, we did some gardening together. I taught her how to tap a plant out of its plastic pot and then gently fluff its roots out. Then I showed her out to firmly pack down the earth around the plant after we'd placed it in the ground. At some point during our morning of planting, I mentioned that I needed to get some garden gloves just for her. Now, I am getting to what this all has to do with choices.

The morning before she came over, I was hurriedly running around trying to get a few things done before she was due to arrive. I was debating as to whether or not to run to the nursery and get some gardening gloves for her. I had told her we could do some more planting today if she wanted, so, I needed to pick up some plants too.

Just as I was trying to decide whether or not to pop over to the nursery, my granddaughter called. "Gram, don't forget you said that you would get some gardening gloves for me." Opps, she now remembers promises that I make to her. Our talk settled that decision - it was a easy choice to make.

The next choice that comes to mind was a decision with much more significant consequences. I was 16 years old and pregnant.

To Be Continued.....................................