Another Premium of Grand- parenthood
Posted: Wednesday, October 01, 2008
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
Watch the clock-3:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Four o'clock--time to go.
Grandpa and I grab the stuffed green froggy and a sippy cup of chocolate milk as we head out the door to get out the golf cart. The golf cart is electric and we keep it charged for this daily routine. We had purchased the cart when our oldest granddaughter (now fifteen years old) was two. Although faded, it still has her name (Brittany) in big black letters across the front. We had glued two round mirrors on the front and two red reflectors on the back to make it look like a car. She started driving it herself at about four-years-old-as soon as she could see above the steering wheel and reach the go-pedal at the same time. I truly believed it helped her when she began practicing for a learner's permit.
This is our youngest grandson's first year of pre-school. He had just turned four the tenth of September and made the cut by only five days. Attending since mid-August, he looked so tiny his first day and now some six weeks later; he isn't much bigger. I know the bus driver and all the people in cars and trucks sitting lined up behind it laugh at our beaming, smiling, faces. Our hearts swell with pride and love as we watch him climb down the steps and stand behind the metal guard, while looking up for a signal from the bus driver that he may cross the highway.
One day as I was driving back from town and I happened to be behind a school bus dropping kids off from school; I noticed that about eighty percent or better of the parents who were picking up the very young, were grandparents. It's good to know that we grandparents haven't outlived our usefulness by a long shot.
Free daycare can mean a lot to young parents in an economy that has so many major problems. Childcare today can cost upwards of one hundred fifty dollars per child per week. If the parents don't have the luxury of grandparents that can baby-sit, it almost doesn't pay the mother to work outside the home unless, of course, she is a doctor or a lawyer, or works in a day-care center. Most employers frown on bringing your child to work with you.
After picking up our little Mr. McKinley (it was Mickey' until he started school-now he quickly corrects us when we call him that), he doesn't want to go inside right away so we continue to ride around the yard and down by the pond to watch for fish. He offers to drive, but at this early age; we must decline. Memories of his first experience behind the wheel causing shivers to run up my spine. He could reach the go-pedal, which he promptly slammed to the floor, but he couldn't see where he was going. It took all my strength to pull his foot off the pedal, his hands off the steering wheel, and press the brake, while he screeched with laughter. My hair is a bit grayer for the effort.
I don't think I can say it too often-there is nothing greater than being a grandparent-unless it is being a parent.
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Sandra E. Graham, author, AMOS JAKEY and NICOLINA published by American Book Publishing. I also write book reviews for authors through Book Pleasures. Do a Google or MSN search for Sandra E. Graham My Books and Articles Home Page for more info on my writings and book reviews.
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More commentsGreat article Sandra. Although I have no grandchildren in this location where I might pick them up from school, it is still nice to know that others are there. I try to do what little I can for neighbors, but it usually turns out they do more for me than I for them.Thank you so much, Joel. I'm sorry your grandkids aren't close. You are missing so much.God Bless and best wishes.Sandra
Think you Sandrra for the great story. Reminds me of my grandchildren going to school for the first time and getting on and off the bus. I took pictures of them too. Thought I was the only one who did this.Oh, I'm sure there are millions of 'first day of school' pictures out there. I have taken several of each of my three grandchildren who live close to me--and their parents took several. Actually, I think the bus driver had to wait a few extra minutes while we all got that 'one perfect shot'.Thanks for reading and your kind comments, Larry.And welcome to Searchwarp.Sandra
It was the kind of reading that put a smile on my face, knowing how special grandparents are. Thanks for the smile.Thank you so much, Joan. I'm am so glad to put a smile on a person's face--I love for everyone to be happy.God Bless, and welcome to searchwarp.Sandra
I enjoyed your article, Sandra. I still think in terms of kids, not grandkids, but that is changing as it gets closer to our daughter's due date. We felt the baby move on Saturday! I'm sure that was the first of many, many moves from our grandson in the future! People keep telling us how amazing being a grandparent is. I'm excited to find out for myself.You can only imagine (at least for now) how great it is. Grandchildren are so wonderful and beautiful. There are just not words capable of describing how they can fill your heart with love.Thank you so much, Lorrie. And congratulations on the new one. My he be blessed.SandraThanks, Sandra!
Sandra,Great article. I can, like, totally relate, as the kids would say. Interestingly enough, our son, Mikie, is 3 years old and is going to pre-school. It's his first experience with the bus, and he loves it. Sometimes in the morning he's so anxious he flys off the toilet seat forgetting to take care of things. He's often heard exclaiming in joy, "Bus! Bus! Yeaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!" Got to love the innocence. Enjoying our young one is the greatest experience I've ever had. I love that little tornado / monsoon / kissing, hugging machine.P.S.Hey, I see you're highligted and picke for article of the day. Would you let us lesser types enjoy some of the glory, please? ;=) God bless.Thanks so much, Jeff. Aren't they wonderful. They grow up too soon, though. And then you look forward to the next one.You just don't know what this does for my EGO! But hey, look at Mike--he's on front page every day! We'll just have to work harder.Sandra
I always enjoy the insight this author puts in her articles. Great human interest and always interesting topics.Thank you so much, Arlene, for the kind comments.Sandra
Sandra Graham, another article by you that I enjoyed tremendously. How lucky "little Mr. McKinley" is to have you in his life! Since I conduct my business from home, I am fortunate to not have to worry about day-care but you bring up good, valid points -- Keep writing!Thank you, Judi. I appreciate the kind words and I'm so glad you enjoyed the article. I certainly enjoyed writing it.Sandra
Enjoyed writing your wonderful piece!Thank you so much for reading and commenting.Sandra
Combine sentences and use dependent clauses and phrases to give greater expression to your heart!Sorry, Walter. Will try to do better next time.Sandra
Wonderful article, Sandy. Thanks for having down for the week-end. Had a great time and will call you as soon as I get back home. One-Grandma to another-Grandma.Sue G.Thank you so much, Sue. Glad you enjoyed it.Sandra
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