This past weekend I celebrated a special birthday with my
family, including the grandkids. I enjoyed our time together and was really
blessed by the book of favorite memories presented by the grandkids. The
opening page of the book set the tone of what was to follow.
“Poppy,
you never hesitate to tell us how much you love us! So now it is our turn …”
Here’s a summary of their reflective memories:
Everyone loved the beach house, spending the day surfing the
ocean, and coming back to the main house to Grammy preparing a meal (salt air
makes you hungry!). To this day, the grandkids remember meatballs cooking in
homemade tomato sauce with lemon cake for dessert
There is more food memories. Another remembers sitting in a French
pastry shop with me eating coconut macarons while waiting for a train from
eastern Carolina to arrive. That night she realized we both love macarons and we
now had one more bond between us.
Most of my grandkids needed help (on occasion) with writing assignments
and other school projects. Building soda bottle rockets was my favorite. They
remembered chaotic family vacations and laughing around the dining room table
listening to childhood stories.
The beach house was a favorite memory-maker with everyone.
There were so many family celebrations that strengthened relationships among
all.
The grandkids remember tagging along with me when I visited
the nursing home. Our lives were strengthened by each other, and at the same
time, positively challenging each other to open their heart to the needs of
others. Another grandson saw wisdom in older adults and committed to make family
members proud of his hard work and achievements.
Looking back, the grandkids saw unplanned time together as
moments to teach them something. I helped with challenging school-work and
demonstrated unmeasurable love toward them.
Life is full of Small and seemingly Insignificant Moments. At
first glance it appears like not much is happening at those times.
The reality is, every moment, large or small, is a teachable
moment.
Robert Parlante
August 2018
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