call my Grandparents more often

I have not called them in a while… but I will see them this weekend for my sister’s birthday. I need to make the effort though… they are so wonderful and really getting along in years. I need for them to know how much they mean to me… and not just on special occasions.

So, I called my grandparents today (to set the scene – when I call, they each get on an extension so its kinda like a geriatric party line). We chat for about 2 min about my life, my job, my husband, etc. When I try to ask them about how they are, they rush me off the phone because:
(1) The call is costing me money (about $1 a call)
(2) They say I am too busy to spend my time on the phone with them
(3) I should spend time with my husband
(4) …insert other reasons here…

I have even tried saying NO! I don’t need to be rushed off the phone – that at that moment I have nothing in my life that is more important than talking to them. Sadly this tactic does not work… before I know it we have said our rushed ‘I love you’ and I am sitting dazed looking at the receiver.

Does this happen to anyone else? I think this is why I don’t call more than once every other month (I see them about once a month). I feel like the actuality of my phone calls to them is so ridicules that it is not worth it.

But, they may be crazy, but they are mine!