Every grandchild has a quality that sets them apart.
And while Queenie and I don’t have a favorite – we do have ‘favorites’, which vary from day to day, visit to visit.
The same true with our own kids, but a key difference the ‘wisdom’ I frequently shared: “You’ll never hate your children, but there’ll be times you won’t like them”.
The problems are frequently mothers and teen-age daughters, but not limited to that group- very common to mutter “Where’d they get that irritating smirk?”, frustratingly realizing they got it from you.
But you never ‘don’t like’ your grandkids, because when things get tough they go home.
However, check back in a few years, there’s a couple on the cusp of being teens.
As an aside, I recently read a Greek tragedy about Hell, where every occupant was a teen going through puberty…
Or was it a Greek comedy entitled: ‘Thank God we survived that.’
Amazing how different our kids – and grandkids – are.
Almost like each is a unique people.
This is top of mind, given our recent hosting experience, 6 of our 7 grandchildren spending time at the beach, reminding again of their differences.
Much of it age – yes, I’ve done the research and kids change as they age.
There were two groups of 3, one 7 and younger, the other 7 and older.
The first group took naps, was on a ‘vacation schedule’ – approximating their schedule at home, but with flex – big pool and beach fans.
The 2 year-old was everything you’d expect – parents know what that means – but warmed to us quickly, was into magna tiles and other 2 year old stuff.
Amazing when little ones can talk … your heart is theirs.
The 4 year-old a total character. One of his inquiry lines with me cancer: Did your Mother die from it, how do you get it – serious stuff.
He recently told our son that “I didn’t like my two other uncles, but liked you – but I was three then. Now I like them too”.
The 7 year-old the negotiator, rarely taking no for an answer.
Amazing when medium ones can talk… your wallet is theirs.
The second group, more ‘adult’ – into FortNite, TV and baseball.
And staying up late.
But bigger kids, bigger problems: Like when they were boogie boarding, the current changed, and we were relieved they made it back. Won’t do that again.
The 7 year-old the lone girl in the group, Queenie’s buddy, sweet as can be.
And hell raising with her 7 year-old cousin.
The 9 year-old a ball of energy – and as young boys throughout the ages ‘Always hungry!’
The recently acquired basketball hoop, a major energy burner.
The oldest now 12, celebrating a birthday this week – the reason for this post.
His distinctive quality being first – with all the smothering coming with that achievement.
And the only for a couple of years.
His other distinctive quality: Queenie’s the mother of his mother, which means we were there for the birth, and the first week.
And not only is Henry the first, he’s always been ‘America’s helper’ – doing whatever chore was asked of him, without complaint.
Volunteerism a nice look, the world theirs.
A level-headed, calm kid.
As I say to him whenever they leave: “Stay as sweet as you are”.
So for his birthday, we prepared our usual home-made card – a family tradition which we ‘believe’ our grandkids find amusing, and saves money – and face timed to wish him happy birthday.
And for a day, Henry was our favorite…
…but don’t tell anyone.
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ENHANCE YOUR ENJOYMENT OF THIS POST, PAIR IT WITH THE FOLLOWING ‘AGING HIPSTER MUSIC’:
Jenny Lewis was a child actress who later became the lead of Rilo Kiley and is now flying solo. Her acting career included parts in Camp Belvedere and Pleasantville, among others.
I’ve added ‘Portions for Foxes’ ‘Pictures of Success’ and a ‘Man/Me/Then Jim’ the latter with the classic “My gradual descent into a life I never meant” line, from Rilo Kiley, and ‘Psychos’ and ‘Carpetbaggers’ the latter with great backing from Elvis, from her solo work. She also was part of The Postal Service. I’ve added ‘Clark Gable’ from the latter.
Love this article about grandkids. It’s so true, love knows no bounds when it comes to the grands. We’re less forgiving when it comes to our children. Makes you think we should all grow up like grandchildren doesn’t it? Or, as they say,” if I knew how much fun grandchildren were I would have started with them.”
That was a sweet one Jim and so true..