Family Sharing

I want to share some recent photos I received of my daughter’s two sons. Photos do so much to bring families together who are geographically far apart. They live in Florida and I have only been there once when Kyle was just a baby. They visit Tucson usually for Christmas and I got to see them there several times, but my trips did not always coincide with theirs.

On the left is Kyle, who is now seven and in the first grade. His little brother, Ryan, is on the right. He is three. It has been awhile since I have seen my grandchildren so the photos brought them closer right away.

Being a grandfather has been difficult for me. I found that I had forgotten “child-speak” that I knew as a parent when my two children were small. I am sure any of you who have children know what I mean. I do not mean the gibberish parents use to talk to their children. I am talking about knowing the level of their interest and how to share their excitement in what is important to them. Maybe I didn’t know then as well as I think I remember. In any case, I remember how much I loved them and how much we enjoyed the things we did together—camping, fishing and other things many families do.

As a child I came along last in the family and my brother and sister being older than I had different peers and interests. The result was I learned to relate to adults more than I related to my peers. It has always been this way. I seemed to be totally helpless around children. Though the old saying goes, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” I’d like to think I can change this. I look forward to relearning how to relate to my grandchildren as well as all children. The innocence and vitality of their very being can refresh and restore us if we let it. I will joyously undertake this adventure! So as I am refreshed I share this part of my family with you.