Grandparentitis.........

I haven't crowed about my grandson lately. If I don't do better I could be thrown out of the Grandparents Guild.................

Each Sunday evening, my daughter brings the little bundle of joy over for a visit and I must say that I am thoroughly entertained. He's such a bright, happy little fellow.

It's different this time. It really wasn't that long ago that I had little babies in my life - it just seem to be different now. Of course, the babies aren't different - it's just my perspective that has changed and I must say that it is better this time around.

Not sure why, maybe because the hard part for me is over and all that is left is to enjoy them. Maybe it's because when I'm through with them and it's time for bed they leave and go somewhere else. All I know is that it's simply a joy that I haven't experienced before.

Kind of the same way with my step-parenting. It's different yet it's the same thing. I view both of my step-daughters with eyes filled with love and responsibility - but it's just easier somehow. Maybe because I'm there as support instead of the main responder. Again, I'm just not really sure but all I know is that I absolutely adore both of them and am having the time of my life.

So sit back and enjoy the responses of some second graders from their perspective of grandparents (like me!!!).

WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT?
(Taken from the papers written by a class of 8-year-olds.)

Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of her own. They like other people's.

A grandfather is a man & a grandmother is a lady!

Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see them.

They are so old they shouldn't play hard or run.

It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.

When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.

They show us and talk to us about the color of the flowers and also why we shouldn't step on 'cracks.'

They don't say, 'Hurry up.'

Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes.

They wear glasses and funny underwear.

They can take their teeth and gums out.

Grandparents don't have to be smart.

They have to answer questions like 'why isn't God married?' and 'How come dogs chase cats?'.

When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same story over again.

Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have television because they are the only grown ups who like to spend time with us.

They know we should have snack-time before bedtime and they say prayers with us every time and kiss us even when we've acted bad.

A 6 year old was asked where his grandma lived. “Oh,” he said, “she lives at the airport and when we want her we just go there. Then when we’re done having her visit, we take her back to the airport.”

Grandpa is the smartest man on earth. He teaches me good things but I don’t get to see him enough to get as smart as him.

It's funny when they bend over, you hear gas leaks and they blame their dog.


So there you have it. A definitive view of how life works - from the perspective of a child. Maybe the best view their is!

Peace.