Time with Grandchildren

 I think Nancy and I are so blessed to have 7 grandchildren. Four in Phoenix and 3 in Michigan. I love it when they call or stop by (one of them drives over in their parent's UTV) to just talk. Maybe it is because they had a rough day at school, or maybe with their parents, or wanting to fly out to work on a car I am building, or to hang-out with Nancy to learn how to quilt. And when they bring a friend, it is even better. Seems like they like my grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and our snacks, of course. either way, we love it. I want them to think they can discuss ANYTHING with us, without judgement or scolding from us. There are usually questions about our younger days as teens and my military experiences or fire department times. We are very open with them and always will be.

Recently, our oldest (16 soon to be 17 and is already 6'4") grandson and I went to see the latest James Bond movie. I have loved the Bond movies since the first one I saw in 1962 at a theater in downtown Cincinnati as a teenager. I knew then it was staged and things were not really like they portrayed it. This one was no different. But I still like them.

During the movie my grandson would lean over and ask me questions like, "Did you ever shoot anyone in the military?" or  "Didn't you use to ride a motorcycle?" or "Where did you learn to drive and who taught you?  Without disturbing the other movie watchers I'd answer, "NO, YES, MY GRANDFATHER IN ALABAMA ON HIS FARM." I was 14 at the time and he had an old Chevy pickup. It's curious what goes through their minds as they associate movies to real life. And then there are the follow-up questions which can go on for hours. But I love it, I truly do.

Now that they are all 10 years and older, we have sometimes interesting conversations about things that some parents would much rather not discuss, but we do, and we both are very honest and open. Of course their parents are the same since we talked to them at that age the same as we do the grands. We want them to know life is not fair, and it is truly cruel at times. Disappointments, highs and sometimes very low. Nancy and I did not have those discussions with our parents. Unfortunately, we had to learn the hard way. But maybe that made us stronger and wanted to correct that life cycle. And we DO believe in life cycles in families. If a parent is an alcoholic, the chances of the children becoming an alcoholic is higher. You get the picture. 

I have tried to teach our children a few basic rules in life. Obey the 10 Commandments, and in the same frame, place a high respect on God, Country, Family and doing the right thing, whether someone is watching you or not. That came to point a few months ago when at dinner I told them, "I was a Home Depot yesterday and I found a $100 bill on the floor in a deserted aisle, so I took it to the front desk and turned it in."  One of the kids asked, "Why didn't you keep it?" I replied, "It wasn't mine and I didn't earn it." They looked stunned for a while, but got the message.

Lastly, I leave you with these words (which were in the Bond movies 1967 and 2021)  originally written by Jack london in 1916.

"The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them." But added, "To enjoy every minute with my grandchildren every chance I get."

Take care and stay safe.