The Gift Of Grandkids

Over the almost ten years I’ve written my column I’ve shared with you my thoughts on a number of issues ranging from motorcycling across our great highways,  glimpses into my upbringing in New Hampshire, how I discovered Marco Island, political views and hodge-podge of other items that just happened to catch my interest at the moment. 

You’ve been kind enough to listen and on occasion comment to me when we ran across each other out and about on the island. I really do appreciate all the input and some of the ideas that have generated  some of my  musings here every week. Some of those thoughts are extremely helpful, and not one of them has ever been derogatory in nature but instead would give me constructive ideas as to an opposite view or two. Something that is sorely needed in this sometimesheated atmosphere that exists in politics today. 

Today, however, I’m going to lapse into a more pleasant area, as Janet’s son, his beautiful wife, Berit, and three grandchildren are visiting this week. Needless to say, she’s ecstatic with the laughter and on occasion the mild turmoil that is running through the normally quiet home on our island. 

I’ve never had the joy that children could bring to a home, never mind the wonderment of grandkids. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I use the term “wonderment” to describe their presence they bring to a home.Theyreally do make me smile. The only joy we don’t get to experience is seeing them often enough, as they live in  Copenhagen, Denmark. Charlie and Berit met at Tulane University when he attended school there and Berit attended as a student from Copenhagen. Jan does get over there at least once a year and I’ve traveled with her at least one time. 

The three grandkids, Louie, Olivia and Eleanor are as spectacular as you could want. One of my fondest moments was about ten years ago when Charlie and Beritt visited with Louie who was only three years old at the time (he’s now 13)  and upon entering the house ran over and jumped up into my lap as I sat in my overstuffed chair in the living room. I have to be honest though, the girls quickly steal your heart just as much. 

Olivia is now ten and her sister Eleanor is five.They are cute as a button and are all very active. Although we enjoy sharing some of our “wisdom” with them they too reciprocate with words of wisdom for us but add their beautiful smiles as a bonus. 

For me, their presence helps me to remember growing up with my sister Kathy and brother Bill in New Hampshire and brings memories rushing back of the great times we had with my mom and  dad. I’ve even shared some of those memories with Louie and his dad which causes us all to speak about those similar experiences. 

I think the greatest advantage to having them around us for this week lies in having to take the time to remember to have fun ourselves. It is sort of contagious watching them frolic in the pool or run around in the backyard, giving a wave to the Black Pearl Pirate Ship and their guests as they glide through Collier Bay on the way to Smokehouse Bay and the Esplanade. The simple pleasure of sitting near the fire pit as we roast a hot dog and eating it off the stick or creating their own sticky graham cracker s’mores for dessert. I think sometimes as we grow older in life we forget to take those moments to enjoy ourselves byindulging in simple pleasures the way these grandkids do.  

The nice thing is it doesn’t take a lot to keep them happy. Unlike us, they find great joy in the little things in life and that makes me wonder how we might learn to maintain that outlook on life, instead of the bickering and heated rhetoric we find in the adult world today.  

Unfortunately, Janet’s daughter Sarah was unable to make the trip down with her husband Eric and their son Bronson due to a flu going around up in the greater Chicago area, but we’ll get to see them soon enough. 

It will be sad to see Charlie and his family go when they leave, but I, like Janet, feel a great sense of wonderment in the gift they will have left behind from this visit in the memories we will cherish until we see them again and thank God for the joy grandchildren bring with them. 

It’s time we just close our eyes every day and remember how wonderful life can be if we saw it through the eyes of our child.