Days in the life of a grandpa
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Publisher: Vision 14 Enterprises Gadget Name: Days in the life of a grandpa About This Gadget:  
We offer stories that will touch your heart and refresh your day with smiles, warm memories, an occasional tear - and a reminder of the power of love He Ended Up In the Next Hospital Bed
An Advanced Life Support Paramedic unit rushed the seriously injured driver of the van to the nearest trauma hospital. A few hours later, one of the two paramedics that had worked to save the man's life was lying in the next bed in the trauma unit - badly injured himself. Off shift and on his way home, the paramedic's car was hit head-on by a driver who suddenly made an illegal left-hand turn into his path. He was rushed to the same hospital by his own paramedic unit. His injuries included a head injury that kept him from being able to return to his job. What then? Suddenly life changed. Gone was the excitement of a challenging career on the front-lines of emergency medical response. Here daily were on-going headaches and dizziness, with some memory loss. He was unable to function in the crowded or noisy environments that he had thrived in before. What would fill the void in his life? Who are we talking about?
In the years after the accident, our three married sons and one married daughter began to expand their families. I decided to deepen my relationship with my growing family of grandchildren. Right now there are 11. I still find it hard sometimes to be around a busy family gathering. Even with the children usually well-behaved, even the noise of multiple conversations can be overwhelming. I can find it hard to focus on the conversation I am trying to have with ONE family member. I try to enjoy these family times when we are all together. But sometimes it's hard. What I HAVE found is that I can enjoy one-on-one time with each grandchild. My aim is to take one grandchild out each week for "a walk with grandpa". We go for a walk to a special park by a river, then go for ice-cream or a snack. The closeness that has grown between me and each grandchild is something special. The times we enjoy together are fun, entertaining, and sometimes hilarious. There is a special bond of love between this grandpa and each of them. My wife and I also enjoy looking after different ones together to give our married kids a break. They appreciate being able to escape for an occasional evening out, knowing their children are safe and happy with Grandpa and Grandma.
The fun times. The activities. The challenges. My thoughts on what it means. I have decided to call these stories "Days in the Life of a Grandpa". I invite you to subscribe to my elert gadget that will send you free samples of these stories direct to your desktop. What is it all about? Believing that a grandpa can make a difference in the life of his grandchildren. That grandchildren can fill a life with meaning and joy. And that together a grandpa and his grandchildren can share adventures and special times that will leave memories of joy and love imprinted in their minds as an anchor for all times. |
| 8 - A STARBUCKS DATE WITH A GRANDDAUGHER - AND A RIDE ON SADDLE | Published: 16/01/08 |
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Part 8 - Days in the life of a grandpa -
A Starbucks date with a granddaughter - and a ride on "Saddle" -
We get back to the car and decide we still have time to finish off
our time together in the usual way. We drive to a local mall and
go into the Starbucks coffee shop.
The blast of coolness hits us with a welcome relief. I get my
favorite drink - a short mocha.
Amanda asks if she can have her usual tiny "sample cup" of
whipped cream. And we share a big glass of ice water.
Amanda sits on my knee in a big comfy chair, and we relax and
chat.
She asks me with a grin if I have two quarters with me today so she
can have a ride on "Saddle". Saddle is the name she has given to
the coin-operated horse ride in the mall. Grandpa usually has two
quarters so she can have a ride.
She asks if she can put the coins in herself today, and soon she is
riding and holding on to the moving, swaying horse. I stand there
and enjoy her grin, and imagine what she is imagining - that she is
galloping through a meadow on a beautiful horse, maybe on her way
to a picnic with Grandpa....
We have a quick walk through a department store, then it is time to
head out into the heat and find the car.
"Can I have a shoulder-ride to the car, Grandpa?"
Of course.
I drop her off back at home by around 5:00 PM as promised.
Another wonderful day with one of my wonderful grandchildren. I
am so blessed.
I get home in time to see Joseph and Vicky, who are at the house
again like the day before. Beth tells me that while I was out, a
friend from out of town dropped by with their seven boys! I love
these children too - they are almost like grandchildren to us.
But on this day, with the pace of this week, I am glad that I was
out having a quiet few hours with Amanda, rather than around the
bustle of 7 + 2 children all at once.
Ray arrives soon to pick up Joseph and Vicky, and Beth and I go out
for supper. We relax over a nice dinner (we decide to share a huge
16 oz. steak, and are both full when we have finished!)
I feel like we needed a quiet break from the pace of all the
baby-sitting we have been doing....
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