One of my favorite childhood memories involves Nanny (my grandmother) and a rocking chair. I remember clamoring onto Nanny’s lap in her favorite rocking chair even when I was much too big to fit there comfortably. It was truly the best seat in the house!
Once in Nanny’s lap, her attention was secured…it wasn’t like she could get up to do other things. I remember her reading stories to me from a big book of fables, but mostly I remember her singing. The songs she would sing weren’t lullabies — they were odd songs you may not have ever heard. I remember some of them vividly — some not so much. Poor baby bat (she’s under my hat) is one I can’t remember many words to, but Froggie Went ‘a Courtin’? I can still hear her singing that — and humming the “uh huh” part. I remember ‘Miss Mousey” and “Uncle Rat” and the wedding. I never grew tired of that silly song, and requested it when it wasn’t offered up first.
A quick Google search and I found Bob Dylan’s version, although I doubt my Nanny, born in 1911, listened to him much.
I’m willing to bet that Ben heard and remembers the songs I mention above while spending time in Nanny’s lap in her favorite rocking chair, and it makes me sad that Coco won’t hear her sing them too. Still, sitting in the lap of someone you love and being rocked — and the warm feeling you get just being there — never changes. Even though the songs do.
