We pulled up in the hotel parking lot. I retrieved the boys from the car. As we were making our way toward the building my grandfather emerged. At the first sight of him the two-year-old exclaimed, "Grandpa!" and ran into his waiting arms. The rest of the time we were together, the two-year-old was often found at his side...throwing him a football (whether his great-grandpa was ready or not), taking him by the hand and leading him on adventures, snuggled up close to his side on the couch, even choosing Great-Grandpa as the one to help him brush his teeth. That two-year-old adores his great-grandpa. And his great-grandpa adores him and is a willing participant in his antics even when his aging body resists participation.
As I watched my baby boy and my grandfather interact, I was reminded of the difference that knowing people of other generations makes. I am fortunate in that I grew up near my grandparents and great-grandparents. I have memories of five great-grandparents. I was 31 when my first grandparent died and at this point still have two living. Since having children while living 8 hours away from their grandparents and great-grandparents I am often reminded of how easy it is to take these relationships for granted when they are close by. So, we've been intentional about nurturing them. We've also been fortunate in having surrogate grandparents - people from our church who love our boys like they are their own. My children have had personal relationships with people from infants to 103 years old. They run with joy when they see their great-grandparents and grandparents. What a wonderful things to have generations together.
For more Bigger Picture Moments visit Corinne at Trains, Tutus, and Tea Time - she's hosting this week!
5 comments:
The joys and lessons of grandparents are such beautiful things :)
Thanks for linking up!
I value the grandparent and grandparent relationships so much! We do not live near bye either, and I often wonder where we will end up living in the end and how we will keep those relationships going regardless of distance.
This post has a special place in my heart, Jill. My son, 3, has the most beautiful relationship with my grandfather I've ever seen. My grandpa is only in his mid 60s, so he's very active, and he does everything G thinks is cool -- including driving a dump truck (he still lays concrete part time!).
Having these two generations come together, as you said, is just absolutely priceless.
I would be so sad if my grandpa didn't know my little guy and vice versa.
Wonderful, heartwarming BPM! So glad to have read this, and so glad your little one has such a great relationship with your grandpa!
Those generational connections are so wonderful. I'm glad my kids are surrounded by grandparents, but I wish their greats were still here -- so much love.
Your boys are quite lucky little guys. (But you already know that :))
almost all of my grandparents died when I was young or before i was before so I don't have any of these realtionships to compare....but i love seeing how excited my kids get to see their grandparents. it is so different even from the relationships i have with my parents. it is so great of you to nurture this.
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