By Anita Curtis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

So is it Nana and Papaw, Grandy and Grumpy, or just plain Grandpa and Grandma?

No matter what, Highland Springs residents love it when the grandkids come to visit. And the grandkids love to come because there is so much to do.

A visit to grandma’s house
Resident Marijo McFarland looks forward to the visits from her three  great- grandchildren: Kathryn, Grace, and Abby Cornelius. Grandson Matthew and wife Kayla bring the girls as often as they can when taking a break from their youth pastor duties at First Baptist Church in Killeen, Tex.

Son Gary McFarland and wife Tricia live just four miles from Highland Springs and are in and out, visiting often. “They are so impressed with this place,” says McFarland. “They love to come here. In fact, our son tells everyone about Highland Springs and how great it is for all of us.”

Resident Phyllis Dunkin says she and her husband John feel fortunate that most of their grandchildren still live close by and can come almost any time, although everyone is pretty busy.

“We hang out, eat together in the private dining room; they enjoy seeing what all goes on here,” she says. “They know it’s our home, and they love it here.”

Fun in all corners
Bob and Maxine Kaplan say their grandchildren love the pool at Highland Springs. But there are many other ways to entertain them as well.

“The computer lab is a favorite, plus the campus library,” says Mrs. Kaplan. And for some reason, hall walking became a favorite pastime once the  grandkids discovered that many residents place baskets of candy outside their doors as a neighborly gesture for passersby. “Oh, they find plenty to do—you can be sure of that!”

And there’s no better time to enjoy the grandkids than summer vacations and holidays. So whether it’s Papaw and Memaw, Mop-Mop and PopPop, Gran and Grandy, Poppa and Happy, or Nana and Papa, plan a special day to  reconnect and leave a legacy of love in the lives of grandchildren.