Grandpa - A Day of Joy

It has been said that there is nothing like being a grandpa. It certainly brought delight to John when his son, Kyle, broke the news, "Dad, we picked a name for our little boy." Grandpa was not sure how to react when he says, "Oh, very cool. What name did you pick?" Kyle proudly announced, "We decided on the name Brooks. We wanted something that has not been overused." Grandpa loved the name. He exclaims, "I remember a baseball player with that name. He was great."

Little did Grandpa know how much was in store for him. The next several months were cute, but that time was more about Grandma stuff. Grandma Ruth would watch Brooks while Mom and Dad worked.

It was at about one year of age when Grandpa experienced joy beyond his expectations. Grandpa heard the garage door open. He knew it was time for Grandma and Brooks to arrive. He runs to the kitchen door and opens it to the garage. He could see Brooks in the car seat. "Is that my little man?," Grandpa enthusiastically asked. Brooks would scream with delight. "Yes, that is my little guy!," Grandpa exclaims even more enthusiastically. Now Grandma and Brooks are roaring. Brooks reaction is to Grandpa. Grandma reacts to Brooks' excitement. Now that is pure joy.

Grandpa goes to the back door of the car and removes the laughing Brooks from his car seat. As they head for the kitchen door, Brooks reaches out to the garage door opener. Grandpa holds Brooks close so he can reach the button to close the door. Brooks pushes the button and looks quickly around to watch as the big door closes. He has a huge smile on his face. It is easy to see the joy in Brooks' face. Actually, there is joy in the expression of three faces.

Brooks runs to the living room of his grandparent's house. He makes a straight line to his toy box. Brooks pulls out his favorite musical toy, pushes a button and happily dances around the room to the tinkling sounds of the toy. By this time the older couple are clapping their hands as Brooks sings in his own language while spinning a jig around the room. "You know, I think it is really true what they say about grandparents," Grandpa thought to himself.

Grandma loves to feed the little guy. Grandpa is ready to rest by now and he will certainly enjoy the entertainment. Brooks has already learned how to use the DVD player. He would like to eat and watch Peter Pan at the same time. Sure, that would be OK. Brooks carefully handles the DVD as he pushes the eject button to release the tray. He places the DVD in the tray, presses a button and the previews begin. Brooks patiently waits for the menu and pushes another button. He returns to his little chair and watches as the movie starts playing. The next half hour is spent watching a movie and missing the mouth. It is quite hilarious.

By this time, the eyes are starting to droop. Brooks is also getting sleepy. The cleanup and the diaper change are complete. Brooks settles in with his blanket and falls asleep as if someone flipped a switch. Grandpa and Grandma watch as the little angel sleeps. They can hardly wait for the afternoon adventures. The afternoon routine is similar.

There are many days to follow as Brooks adds to his repertoire while growing. Every day is filled with excitement. Every day is filled with a joy that is experienced in that moment. It fades as children grow. It is re-experienced with every new grandchild. Grandpa realizes that every moment needs to be cherished.

Michael Miller has over 20 years experience utilizing Linux Solutions. He has recently retired from his full-time position in Health Care Information Technology, but continues to consult as well as provide hands-on experience to those needing such services. All feedback is welcome. You can learn more at: http://www.atekmo.com/articles