Timeless May 2020 | Page 19

Sanders’ husband and best friend also came along. But Sanders said she especially enjoyed seeing Paris through the eyes of her granddaugh- ter. “There was just something so fun – like magic, almost – about seeing her face when she saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade memories like that for any- thing.” Sanders said she thinks grandpar- ents can often be exceptional traveling partners for grandchildren because they are more willing to take things at the child’s pace. “Sometimes, I think parents feel this pressure to make a trip perfect or to make sure everyone sees and does everything and gets their money’s worth,” she said. “We are more con- tent to let the kids have fun but then also to be ok with getting in the bed earlier. I think that’s the way to be – don’t stay so on the go that the kids become tired and overwhelmed.” At Disneyworld, for example, Sanders said that they got to the theme park for early extended hours, but they also left early enough to have the kids in bed by about 7 p.m. each night. “We were OK not seeing and doing everything at night,” she said, laugh- ing. “And I think we had fun that way.” Sanders said it’s important to know that your grandchildren will take direction from you and respect you before making a trip. She said she has never had difficulty from her grand- children when traveling. “They know what to expect and we have a good relationship,” she said. Sanders said she especially trea- sures memories of evenings where she has asked her grandchildren what their favorite events of the day were. “I’m often surprised by what they say,” she said. “But there is just some- thing about that time that we have together that is special. Children – and grandchildren – they want you to look at them and really listen and hear them. That goes a long way. And when we do that, we have some won- derful memories together.” Sanders hopes to continue her trav- els with grandchildren in the coming years – including hoping to take her grandchildren to Paris for her 70th birthday in a few years, too. “I think that’s exactly what I’d like to do,” she said. www.meridianstar.com •19