Yesterday was golden. I asked my daughter if I could pick up my grandson from camp to spend some time with him. I have been thinking a lot lately about my legacy and what my daughter and grandchildren (twins who are 8 years old) will remember about me when I am gone.
When I was growing up my grandparents lived in upstate New York and came to visit us in Fort Lauderdale once a year, especially during the wintertime. Eventually, one set of grandparents moved to Pompano Beach and we saw them once a week. But looking back, I just remember snippets of conversations and certainly nothing too meaningful. I told them about school and horseback riding and playing the guitar.
What I remember most about my grandmothers was one was kind of grumpy and one was kind of jolly. With my grandfather, it was about doing well in school and saving money. Fun outings? Nope. Playing? Oh, my goodness, no. Good New England stock. No funny business. I knew they loved me – more after they passed away when I could see pictures and hear stories about them.
Well, back to yesterday. My granddaughter was at sleepover camp, and my husband was out-of-town, so I had my grandson all to myself. Picked him up from camp. He chattered all the way home about water parks – he loves them and watches You Tube videos about them, too. Did I mention he is on the AS? I love it when he uses full sentences and answers questions directly. It is a delight to converse with him.
We got home to my house and went swimming together. Played make-believe games in the pool as he pretended to be at all these different water parks, some of which he has never been to. Then watched Zootopia while having a pretend picnic in the office (sorry, honey, we broke the rules about not eating in there.) Then I drove him back home as we pretended to be make-believe characters similar to those in the movie. He has quite the imagination and an incredible memory. Hugs from him. Then home again.
Each one of those moments with him was golden. Maybe someday he will remember how he and Nana played games in the pool together. We had fun. And it felt good.
Are you spending golden moments with your grandchildren? If not, why not? How do you want them to remember you? Time is passing – it stops for no one. Make a plan for some fun with your grandchildren this summer. Good times await!!
I would love to hear about your fun plans with your grandchildren this summer. Please share in Comments.
If you are struggling with your grandparenting relationships and need help, please contact me!
Jane Springer is a certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach who assists women in taking care of themselves, in body, mind and spirit. She coaches women who want to lose weight, avoid diabetes, and feel great. She also helps them thrive after divorce. She also helps them to clear their closets of old clothes and outdated attitudes, so they can shine and feel confident.
What a wonderful day! What lucky grandchildren you have! This is a great reminder to take time to make memories with the people we love!
Thanks, Mary Ellen. I agree!
I love being with my grands. When asked to watch some of them full-time while their parents worked I said no, because I want time together to be extra special. I’ll keep them while mom and dad go on special dates, out of town or even snag them here and there for no reason other than to hang out with them. Children are gems bound up in delight and as a grandparent you get to watch them shine without all the stress of everyday and night care!
So true, Deb! I do think my time with the grandkids is extra special. Not full-time, but the same as you. 🙂