It’s never been a secret that I love my son as much as life itself. Now he is a father and I am a Grandfather. I have lost a little sleep in the last few days…with excitement and because I have been thinking about what it means to be a Grandfather. I think of my own Father…and those are very big shoes to fill. Not to worry…it will be fine. I don’t want to be “The World’s Best Grandpa”, I simply want to be good for Samantha.
All of this has left me very introspective and thinking about being a father to my son…nostalgia.It has been a long time since I hung around someone who was 0 years old…my son was the last one and that was 28 years ago. We (my son and I) did so many things together and I always tried to give him as many options and opportunities as possible. If you dig into the archive of this blog you will find several stories of his growing up.
So much of what we did had little to do with me making things interesting or fun as much as us simply having fun together.
When my son was 7 we went on a Cub Scout camping trip to Boblo Island. It was in fact an island amusement park and the Cub Scouts had the entire island to themselves for 3 days. That’s right…3 days, camping, and all of the amusement rides you could stomach…for FREE!
I videotaped the whole camp out and when we got home, my son and I sat down to edit the footage. I had a favorite song at the time and so we created a music video together. My son did the direction and I did the editing.
I offer you the results keeping in mind that this was created 21 years ago…and a 7 year old directed it. Oh yah…and I LOVE my son!
The song is "Old Friends" by Stanley Clark, The video is 5:07 in length...be patient :)
So anyway...I want to do the same for Samantha...wish me luck.
I'm just saying
11 comments:
Such cherished memories are priceless Ron. They can never be "planned" either. They just happen. That's the best part about them. You don't know when they come, and you don't always realize when it's happening. It's the recall afterwards that lives with you forever, with or without a camcorder.
The difference between video recording in 1981 and 2010 is the terminology and technology. The concept is the same, but you won't be filming your granddaughter. I don't quite know what you'd call it... recording or perhaps, even videotaping is still ok.
The outcome won't be any different. Absolutely nothing but cherished memories.
Martin - Such a profound and beautiful note. Thank you so very much! I know you are starting a new life with your own family soon and I hope you experience as many and many more great moments as I have. It's been a great ride.
Be well,
Ron
Ron, while I have no proof, I am sure you are a fantastic father, and you are going to make a fantastic grandfather.
Samantha is very lucky, because, with you, you carry the wit and wisdom her great grandfather and great, great grandfather, and the love that her grandmother would, no doubt, have been feeling at this moment along with you. All things of beauty, love and laughter that she will come to treasure as she grows up.
You are truly blessed, and I look forward to following you on your journey and hers. =) Love you bunches dear friend! xoxo
Jewell- Thank you so much! I am indeed blessed and it is all ahead of all of us. I will do my very best to help Samantha's journey fun, interesting, full of love and a good base to learn from. Believe me...I will post updates...amny of which will tell of new lessons Samantha has taught me :)
LOVE the video! LOVE that you are a Grampy! I can only imagine what it must be like to have such a wonderful thing happen. I can't fathom it, but I know it couldn't be happening to a more deserving, fantastic guy. Love ya Ron, I'm sure you'll be the best Grampy in the world <3 Now more than ever you have the inspiration to take better care of yourself, and get all retired and stuff! LOL So you can stalk your grandbaby properly. I want a video of you dancing at her wedding! *hugs*
Lisa - Thank you so much! I'm going to try for sure :).
BABIES! Congratulations and all that.
You spelled nostalgia wrong in the tag.
Granddad's and GrandDaughters have the most special bond that regularly gets overlooked. I had two wonderful Granddads but I will say I was closer to the one who would steal my cousin's ten speed and race me down the road on it. He was seventy two and I was ten. If only someone could have captured that moment! You are very lucky Ron, there is a little girl waiting to look up to you, forever. :)
www.balmyblurts.com
Ron, a few weeks ago, I took my daughter over to my parents house so I could take a nap. I remember waking up and wandering out to the living room to the sight of my father explaining baseball to a very alert 2 month old. It made me smile and I crept down the hallway to get my mom. Our giggling alerted him to our presence and all he said was she woke up and he wanted me to get some more rest. That memory will be very cherished. Enjoy making happy memories of your own.
Simon - Thank you...and thank you (I fixed the tag) :)
Sally - There are so many moments I spent with my grandfather that were captured in memories and I used to love watching my dad with my son. I am looking forward to it all.
Kort - What a great story! Thank you for sharing it. I do have some stories to tell her :).
Can't remember all those funny years, and behind? Ha, let's just smile and feel. Better next year.
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