A Slice of Normalcy in the Midst of Madness

For over a month, world circumstances had conspired to deny my wife and I one of the critical experiences in the life of grandparents; holding our little grandchildren in our arms. When it was suggested two days ago that there was, perhaps, a slight possibility of having that denial controverted, even for a few hours, I tried to remain nonchalant about it. I wasn’t prepared to get my hopes up unless it was more than a slight possibility. We had grown accustomed to getting our mini-muffin “fix” on almost a weekly basis. Consequently, for the last month there has been an unspoken pain in each of our hearts. I was not willing to tease that pain out into the open by allowing my hopes to be disappointed.

Today, my hope became a reality. I was downstairs when their arrival was announced by the patter of multiple feet on the floor overhead. I immediately dropped what I was doing and made my way up the steps from the basement. I was conscious of a smile on my face as I walked … and a tear or two (of happiness) in my eye. “I missed you grampy” was all it took to squeeze a few more tears from me as I held one particular munchkin as she hugged me tight and would not let go.

Some reading, playing, watching them get to know Hairy Potter, eating grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni & cheese, eating some Play-Doh, making newspaper hats, building the solar cell powered motor for a future robot, Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets and some hugs and snuggles created a rush that was better than any substance induced rush could ever create for this Grampy.

Thank you Charissa, for making the trip. Thanks Ryan for agreeing to the plan. Thank-you, Lord for the privilege of being Grampy!