The joys of being a Grand Father

On January the 22  at 7 am I became a Grand Father for the first time. I remember standing in the hall of the hospital with tear in my eyes. I was the proudest man on the face of this earth, and at the same time scared as hell. What does a Grand Father do ? I never knew my Grand Parents they died when I was very young.

Being a Grand Father is not about my generation or any generation nor is it about old age especially not today with all the top shape baby boomers heading into grand parenting. And its not something we have direct control of. So what does a grand parent do ?

A grand parent is some sort of coach a mentor an example to follow.

Children will make mistakes, have failures, deceptions, this is part of life’s learning cycle. My mother once told me, you can’t protect them against frustration, and you shouldn’t try. But by your example, they will comprehend what it means to accept responsibilities and create a marvelous life for themselves. I thought this was important advice.

Seeing you accept challenges, they will learn that they also have what it takes to face the high and lows of life; they will discover that with perseverance and determination they can succeed.

Life has taught you ! Through life you have acquired more good sense that you believe was needed. You have matured with age, and your grand children are the beneficiaries.

This is great stuff now where do you study this. Where do you learn how to do this mentor thing, this coaching. Where and how do you start.

I know, this seems to be an enormous challenge. A sage once told me, don’t be afraid you are GRAND, and its time to show it. Not by boasting but simply letting your nature your character do it. Your grand children know you by your responsibility, your disposition and simply by the way you are.

To be GRAND all you have to do is be yourself. There are no speeches to give, no lessons to give, no opinions to give. This is  an advantage of being a Grand parent.

your age has nothing to do with it !

Don’t be afraid to let your age be witness of your prestige. Your wrinkles show the road of life you’ve  travelled; they are symbols of your resistance of your strength.

You have lived a long time to become a Grand parent; this doesn’t mean your getting old. Your not condemned to years of disability, senility or degradation. On the contrary; with good eating habits, exercise, a positive attitude, a sense of humor, your life is full of energy and adventure.

A Grand parents life can be spectacular !

It’s up to you to give the tone to those years. The younger generations need examples of living fully, they will follow in our footsteps and they expect us to show them the way

Whatever your approach is, philosophical, practical, or light hearted, remember that children that have the chance to have Grand parents that are open, and full of energy have a positive example on life. Its gratifying to see people that love life whatever their age. Loving life fills us with optimism and its an heritage our children need.

Being a Grand parent is absolutely exceptional. If you are already you understand exactly what I mean. If are about to be one. Expect to live an experience that will transform you.

At the time we reach the Grand parenting period of our life, we still have personal problems to examine and solve. We still question ourselves with apprehension about who we are and what we want to do. We wonder what our lives will be as we grow older. And as for all periods of life we have to make adjustments and face our fears and unsatisfied desires.

It’ a blessing from heaven.

In leaving the role of a parent we search for ways of filling the gap. While your seriously asking yourself where your at and where your going, you hear the voice of a child calling “hello Grandma hello Grandpa” nothing is more precious or brings more happiness than the voice of a child calling. It gives you goose bumps all over and lites up your face with a smile, puts spring in your walk. It simply means that someone is reaching out to you with confidence.

It’s a blessing from heaven, doubt’s and worries disappear, your problems are not important anymore. Now there are more important things on your mind your grand child is calling he is near you. Cherish and maintain this precious moment.

Be as GRAND as the sequoia tree. don’t forget that through the eyes of your grand child  you are Grand.