Gigi helps craft a bit of chaos for Valentine’s Day

Three generations of my family are currently attending kindergarten. Our grandson James attends in person while his parents and grandparents attend vicariously, hovering in a holding pattern in their homes and offices, awaiting the news at the end of each day. That “news” invariably comes down in a three-word response from the student.

“So how was school today, James?”

“It was good,” the boy responds as he grabs a juice box from the fridge and heads for his LEGO set.

While “good” is a good enough response for me, my wife Kristin (Grandma Gigi) is always hoping for a little bit more.

Gigi recently landed a dream gig when James came home with big news in the form of a homework assignment for Valentine’s Day. Each child was to source a shoebox, oatmeal tube or similar vessel, then decorate it in the manner of their choosing to serve as their personal “mailbox” for Valentine greetings from their classmates.

James insisted on an immediate call to deliver the news to his arts and crafts maestro. You’d have thought Kristin had been commissioned for a piece for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“John, we need a shoebox!” she shouted as James told her of the assignment over the phone. “And it needs to be a good one!”

“I present to you the finest shoebox available in this household,” I said as I handed over the goods. “I pray this will meet your high standards! Oh, and remember, this is a kindergartner’s homework assignment, not a Grandma Gigi masterclass in holiday crafting.”

That was the extent of my (or anyone other than James and Gigi’s) involvement in the creation.

The pair has shared a special bond over art from the time the boy was old enough to fist-grip a crayon. These days nearly every one of our weekly visits to see the kids involves some sort of kitchen table creation involving construction paper, glue sticks, pipe cleaners and everyone’s all-time favorite — glitter. The latter has contributed heavily to the nickname bestowed upon Kristin by Charlotte and Andrew. When the scissors, paste, finger paints and googly eyes are unleashed, Kristin is no longer Mom or Gigi. She is instead referred to only as the chaos coordinator.

It’s actually entertaining to watch the pair work as the project is in no way dominated by the whims of the elder. James is crystal clear in his vision and endlessly insistent upon doing things himself. Kristin’s contribution is technical expertise and, theoretically, keeping the mess to a minimum. As chaos goes, the Valentine box was a minimal disruption, given the emotional gravity of the project.

The crafters ended up with a gilded and bedazzled collaboration, replete with paper hearts and smiley faces that would make even Cupid himself swoon. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Kristin and John Lorson would love to hear from you. Write Drawing Laughter, P.O. Box 170, Fredericksburg, OH 44627, or email John at jlorson@alonovus.com.