Tuesday 23 August 2011

The Joy of Grandparenting


Long, long ago in another life, I used to look at doddering old people fussing over their grandchildren and think to myself, ‘I hope I never end up like that’. I just could not see what all the fuss was about.

That is until my first grandchild came along on January 2, 1997, in the form of Andrew.

Now 14 years and ten grandchildren later, I am the consummate doddering grandfather, fussing over my tribe of angels.

Me with my latest grandson, Ethan Thomas Johnstone 22.7.2011

Becoming a grandparent changed my life forever.

I honestly didn’t believe I had it in me to play hide and seek in the back yard with a two and four year old, or get excited about going to the movies to watch “Cars 2” with 3 of my grandsons aged 5 to 8. And, wait for it, have lunch at Hungry Jack’s with the Geraldton mob of 7 to 14 year olds.

This is just not me, but then again grandchildren have a transformative effect on grumpy old men like me which I’m happy to say brings out the best in me.

It has called out something in me which, while deep in my heart I know existed, I had always found to be elusive. It is LOVE!

Having grandchildren has tapped into a reservoir of love in a way nothing else could. I am now a much happier, contented person with renewed energy for life and I attribute most of it to my grandchildren.

You should try it sometime, it will change your life!

1 comment:

  1. Lovely post!!! I have seen the same transformation with my parents becoming grandparents. I'm just enjoying being a parent for now but look forward to one day enjoying the grandparent side - all fun and no responsibility?!

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