I’ve written before how life is negotiable, how we can do better, change ourselves, be happy. One area of my life that makes me happy is being around my grand kids. I have 6 now.

Someone once remarked how close it seems I am with them. I get to stir them up, play, have fun. It’s a second chance to be a better parent again maybe, but I think it’s also another opportunity to be a kid again.

So, one day while I was awaiting to go in the dentist’s office, I wrote out 10 ways I could be a better grandparent. I actually came up with 11. Here they are:

1. Show patience with them. They’re still just learning, trying to figure things out.
2. Teach by doing things with them, set the right example. They are looking up to you for guidance.
3. Look at things through their eyes. A child’s eyes sees wonder; not conflict.
4. Indulge them! Why not!
5. Show support for their parents. Your’e not competing with the parents, show the child your respect for your children.
6. Laugh with them. Be Happy!
7. Whenever your’e with them, be in the present moment. Prioritize your attention!
8. Listen to them. Help build their self esteem.
9. Help them discover the world. Everyday contains miracles of life to see and enjoy!
10. Protect them always. If those around them don’t; who will?
11. Whatever gifts they bring you, always, always use it! Even the ugly ties! Appreciate them!

You may have noticed, I didn’t say the words love them once. To me, every item on this list is an act of love.

While I’d like to think I do all of these, I know better.
I wrote this list to give me a reminder of what’s truly important in my life.

Why do I do this?

It makes me happy and the rewards I get are beyond belief. Take a look at the photo below. Katelyn and her family had visited us from out of state. They had come to see my Dad who was in hospice care at his home. He passed away the day after my son and his family left to go back home. Katelyn cried and cried when she left me to go to the airport. She hugged me so hard she didn’t want to let me go. She knew how sad I was feeling.

This photo was taken after returning to Boise, Katelyn took a picture of her and I from Chuckie Cheese and placed it on her pillow when she went to sleep.

An act of love; one that I’ve tried to earn. And why I have to keep on trying.

That’s my reward.

And to think I’ve had moments like this multiplied by 6!
That’s why I do it.

JT

Here is the photo.