I’m now considered by most people that I know to be an older citizen (fart) that should be respected and taken care of. Of all the things I’ve had to adjust to that is the hardest. I understand that kind of pity is accompanied by a lot of love and caring since I went through the same thing when my parents reached their platinum years. That’s right, PLATINUM.  The golden years end at 70 and then the platinum years kick in.

I’m not complaining but just stating the obvious.  The biggest blessing that I’ve discovered in my platinum years is my continuing education supplied to me by my grandchildren.  They see me so much differently than their parents and sometimes it makes me laugh out loud and other time brings tears to my eyes.

During my year of hell with surgeries and chemotherapy I made sure to keep the oldest grandson (age 5 at the time) aware of what was happening.  He examined my stitches and staples and was more than a little interested in the chemotherapy and all the tubes and pumps I was required to wear.  I didn’t want him to be frightened by all of it and he paid very close attention and asked a million questions.  Towards the end of the chemo I was feeling extremely sorry for myself and was bitching and complaining about my horrible life.  He brought a shot of reality into the conversation very quickly. He lightly touched my hand and simply stated “All of this is better than dead grampa.”  From the mouths of babes.

His younger brother missed out on most of that but has since brought his own way of seeing things to my attention. He is quite the artist which pleases me so much. We have something in common which is a great place to begin a real relationship. I’m sure the fun with him has just begun,

Then comes grandson number three who is all of 1 1/2 years old now. I was worried how I’d be able to connect with him since I  only met him for two days when he was a new born. His arrival had me a little apprehensive since he lives in California and is someone I won’t get to see all that often. 

I don’t know why I was so worried.  He arrived with his parents and stole the show. He isn’t talking much but he gets his message across very quickly. I was a little standoffish at first but he was having none of that.  He kept smiling at me every chance our eyes met and he teased me along until I loosened up a little.  On his last day here he walked over to my chair and indicated he wanted to come up.  I picked him up, he laid down his head, and went to sleep.  I held him for two hours and I was in heaven.  My education continues….. lucky me.