I spent the weekend with 2 of my grandsons – Wilder and Bodhi. Technically I also visited with their parents too. I learned something from the boys though. Well since Bodhi is only one, he didn’t say much, except he can screech. Like a baby dragon. I didn’t know that.

I watch Game of Thrones a lot so it means his mother, my daughter, is the mother of dragons. I proudly told her, too.

But Wilder, he just turned three and you can just see his mind working in his face. Like, how can I tease you today! There is a gleam in his eyes as he’s planning his next move. At this age, he is busy each day learning about the complexity of life.

Today, it’s how can I get my parents to give me more Kefir! Kefir is like a liquid yogurt drink that he absolutely just loves. “I want Kefir” is a common daily refrain. (if the Kefir company reads this and would like to hire my grandson for blatant promotional purposes, please contact me as I am now also his manager (he’s only 3!).

At dinner the other night, when he knew there was no Kefir at hand, he asked to be “excused, please?” What?
I thought to myself, amazing, when was the last time I asked to be excused from the table? What good manners!

And then I thought, what better way for me to re-learn things. The important things I often overlook.

Often, I get so wrapped up in so many “important” things I forget – simple is much better. Sometimes I feel I am so busy, I don’t have time for anything else. But being with the grand kids, taking time out to play with them, trying to teach them usually ends up with me learning from them. I’d rather be doing that.

And kids ARE simple.
They are constantly learning but don’t have any preconceived ideas about anything! Everything is new and simple. It’s only when they become adults they become more jaded and their lives complex – well maybe not every adult – maybe it’s just me.

I want life to be simple again.

I’ve decided to go to the source. The source of my re-learning. My Grandchildren!
I have six now and they can each teach me life lessons.

Wilder’s request to be excused from the table – undoubtedly to get away and play – made me think of ways maybe I can be a better example for all of them. And re-learn the things that I’ve forgotten.

Later that night, Sara asked Wilder what he was thankful for. She had told me that she wants her children to learn that no one is “entitled” to anything. That we should be grateful, thankful for what we have, what we experience. And so, everyday the kids are asked (Bodhi screeches and then smiles) what they are thankful for.

So, when Wilder was asked, he carefully thought it through, looked up, smiled and said “I’m thankful for pigs.” And now, I am too.

See, my life is becoming much simpler.
(and now I’m practicing my dragon screech.)

JT