Where I’ve Been

I was twice blessed in 2010 with the births of my first two grandchildren. A boy (Colton) and a girl (Liberty) born two months apart, although originally their due dates were only 17 days apart. The little girl decided to come early…far too early and nearly died along with her mother for the effort. She was 2.2 pounds at birth while the boy was nearly 10 pounds. I immediately dubbed them “Thumbelina” and “Andre the Giant.”

I was not sure if I was going to be a good grandfather. I thought I probably no longer had the patience required to spend very much time with these character-limited poop and pee machines. I mean…really…what did they have or do that I would find interesting? And furthermore, I was convinced I did not want to be like so many of my peers and co-workers who had become grandparents before me. To me, it seemed they cashed in what remained of their adult lives and doted far too much on these little care mongers. As they shoved picture after picture in my face and embarked on never-ending reports of progress, accomplishments, and downright angelic feats and appearances, I pretended to be interested and would bring out my best plastic smile and use the word “cute” far more often than God ever intended. And when each of these encounters finally ended, there came the mantra: “You just wait until you have your own. You’ll see.”

And they were all right. Being a grandfather is far more rewarding and entertaining than I could have ever imagined. As anticipated, a lot of the enjoyment comes from knowing I am not responsible for their maintenance and well being. Their parents must be concerned with food, clothing, shelter, education, discipline, moral and social development, and all else that is entailed in raising children. My sole job is to love them. And that’s easy.

They amaze me in ways I was totally unprepared for. Their world is simple now and they trust completely. They trust that all of their needs will be met. They trust that they will be fed and made comfortable. Bumps and bruises will be attended to even if that is no more than a kiss to “make it better.” How long ago was it that any of us felt such trust?

And then there is that innate sense of wonderment and fascination. How long ago was it that any of us shouted with joy at the mere sight of a farm animal (pick the breed – it doesn’t matter), or a big truck, or a cloud? Who knew mud puddles become tsunamis when feet applied?

And finally there is that offering of unconditional love. Every time I see either of my grandchildren, they announce my coming to all in the area. “Pops!” they proclaim loudly and point in my direction of my arrival as if to say, “Elvis is in the house!” Upon sighting me, they each run as fast as their stubby little legs can carry them with outstretched arms for me to pick them up and receive their tight hugs and sloppy kisses. How long ago was it that any of us felt such unconditional (human) love? Their parents (my children) feel one of the reasons they love me so is because it is so easy for me to put myself at their level and be so childlike (a trait my wife has accused me of for many years). I do enjoy developing little games that are only played between me and them. These games make me as special to them as they are to me and I suspect they may be my legacy.

I think I understand the cycle of life. In a few years, the teen years for sure, “Pops” will not have the status he has now and that is the way it should be. That is the way it must be. They must learn to integrate and live in the real world. They grow and they learn. Among all the wonderful things they will learn, sadly, they will also learn they cannot always trust. They will learn that all in the world is not always wonderful. They will learn they cannot always love unconditionally.

But, until that time…let me tell you what my grandchildren did today…