Going to Visit

I guess today was a go visit the grandkids kinda day. First we went over to our youngest daughter’s and visited with our grandson and granddaughter. Just listening to the kids and chit-chatting with our son-in-law and daughter while they cleaned. We then headed to the next town to visit and check in with our oldest daughter and grandson George. George is her chocolate labrador and although our daughter is expecting her first child, we still give George our undivided attention.

Grandparenting, at least for us, is a much more laid-back sport then parenting. It’s nice to see that our children learned from our mistakes and waited till they were far more established to begin their families. While I would love to take credit for their maturity and decision making. I think watching mom and dad stumble through life was a far better teacher. As you may well know, I’m not one to gloss over my mistakes. And I’m pretty damn sure my parents rolled their eyes a time of two watching me parent. But thank the good Lord I suppose, all the screwing up stopped at one generation.

But who the hell am I trying to kid? Children watch their parents like a hawk. Learning from actions they take. If this theory is true, then maybe my wife and I at least showed dedication and purpose, if not always good judgement. I still strain and worry still the small details. Like making sure my wife remembers the simple little details or that our son is well fed. So in a way the parenting never really stopped, at least for me. I try to remind myself to just let go, that legacy is only created when the lessons are appreciated.