by Rhonda Day
“It’s amazing how grandparents seem so young once you become one.” ~Author Unknown
As I was driving with my two grandchildren secured safely in their handy, dandy child-restraint seats in the back seat, I enjoyed eavesdropping on their chatter about school.
“Connor, I’m older than you and I’ll graduate before you do. So I’ll go to college first.”
“Well, I’m going to college too so I don’t care.”
After a few exchanges of comments and debate about their future, Connor posed a question to me.
“Gigi, will you be dead when I graduate?”
His question caught me totally off-guard and I wasn’t sure how to respond. After all, I consider myself a fairly young grandmother (well at least when compared to the memories of my own grandmother!).
After a few moments, I replied that I wasn’t sure if I’d be alive or not, but I really hoped that I would live that long.
And then Emma replied:
“Connor, Gigi will be alive because she has a lot to do.”
The rest of our day was uneventful with a visit to Deep Run Park and a walk through the wooded trails, with lots of bug exploration and childhood curiosity.
As we headed back home, Connor’s comments crept back into my thoughts. Would I be here when he graduates? I certainly hoped so, but we are never promised tomorrow.
One thing happened that day though.
I started thinking about the obligation we have to our grandchildren to take better care of ourselves. Grandparents often neglect taking care of their physical and emotional health, but it’s an important part of grandparenting.
Eating healthy, getting exercise and engaging in healthy emotional activities are a big responsibility as we grow older. I definitely do not want the years to pass by quickly, but I do think about the day my beautiful grandchildren will reach the graduation milestone in their lives.
And I want to be there to celebrate with them!
That makes it a lot easier to lace up my walking shoes and head out for a walk. Grandchildren can be the inspiration that no one else can offer when it comes to making changes in your life.
Yes Connor, I plan to be here when you graduate – and for many more milestones beyond that!
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