Many people ask me why we left Hawaii. Our main reason was to be closer to our grandchildren. Attending some of their activities and celebrations has brought so much joy to my life. I donāt know how much more time I have on earth, but I am thankful for the time I have had to spend with my grandchildren. Birthdays, sports activities, plays, musicals, performances, and so much more that my grandchildren have participated in stand out in my memory. Today I am grateful to be able to be with my grandchildren at many of their important milestones.
Recently, we had two graduations to be involved with- one from university and one from high school. Sweet 16 birthdays, first cars, and other firsts have kept me going. We also had a family reunion, albiet my son who is in the military was absent and we sure missed him, but all of my grandchildren were here. I was in heaven!!
Each grandchild brings a new flavor to our family. Some are more serious, some hilarious, some studious, and some not so much. They have different challenges and make the most of them, but the best thing is that each one is cherished and they love to be with each other.
A challenge for me is trying to give the grandchildren plenty to do when they visit. I try to give them used clothes, but most of them are not into that. Some love board games, others card games, sports like basketball, volleyball or badminton, nerf guns, riding horses, acting, blowing bubbles, reading books, writing, making crafts, walks, road trips, swimming, shopping, and movies, etc. Most of them love to be on their phones or computers playing video games. Never a dull moment with these characters!
Now that all of my grandchildren are taller than me, I feel that I am amongst giants. One thing for sure, they all like eating! We must have plenty of good things for them to eat when they visit! Grandpa is very good at meeting that need!
When I think about my childhood, I was hardly able to be with my grandparents and donāt remember them coming to any of my activities. I want to be a bigger
part of my grandchildrenās lives. Their parents usually invite us to their various performances and we go if at all possible. Most of the grandkids play a musical instrument including the ukulele, guitar, cello, piano, and using their voices. We rarely get together without some type of music being shared.
Something that has been fun to see is that a few of my grandchildren have chosen to study art
which was my major in college. To me āArt is Lifeā! Others like writing which I have done as a job and still do.
I may be to blame for the reason several of my grandchildren love the computer so much. When they were very young, I would sit them on my lap and show them video games. Some of them are addicted to them. I spent some time reading to them, but probably not enough.
What a marvelous treasure grandchildren are. They were each sent to our family for us to learn from and hopefully they learn something from us. It is difficult always trying to be a good example and attempt to be the type of person they want to emulate. I would not want to lead them astray in any way. They were sent to us to help them along their journey of life.
I hope we never take for granted what precious gems our grandchildren are. I donāt know how much more time I will have to be with my grandchildren, but I just want them to know how much I love them and their parents who sacrifice much for them. Love, Grandma
