There are experiences that come into our lives that leave a mark of some kind. A cut, a bruise, a soothing balm, a touch of kindness, a slice of joy, a sliver of hope…whatever it is, we are typically changed in one way or another by other people who’s lives have crossed with ours.
The last couple days, I enjoyed 24 hours with my grandson. He is very close to turning 11 years old. Even though he lives only a few miles away, we rarely get any one-on-one time with each other. Between his life being pretty busy with school, scouts and his two younger sisters always wanting to hang out, he and I do not get that much time together alone.
I cannot express to you how much those one-on-one moments mean to me with my grandson. At 10 1/2 years old, our conversations have expanded a great deal over the years. I have loved every stage of those conversations, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t find myself engaged more with the topics of an “almost 11 yr old” than the topics of a 4 year old.
As we sat drinking our smoothies from Jamba Juice, we covered topics from President Trump’s Space Force project to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. We discussed where we would love to travel if given the chance and if money were no object…He said Turkey, Australia and Peru and I said Hawaii, Italy and Amsterdam. We decided that if we had the opportunity, we would absolutely want to live in outer space on Mars or a space-station for a year.
My grandson talked about if he ever decided to join one of the branches of military, the one he would choose would be the Air Force. This is primarily due to the fact that he would find it exciting to fly jets, but also said he would rather design jets, drones, etc…for the military. I reminded him of all the jets and airplanes he had drawn and shared with family members over the years. He’s actually got a real gift with designing airplanes. Who knows what the future holds for this little guy?
After dinner, we took a nice long walk. The weather has cooled down, and October has finally decided to behave like Autumn. Remember, we are in Arizona, so 75 degrees is great Fall weather for us. It’s the first day I haven’t had to have the air conditioner on. People are kinder; smile more often and actually speak to each other now. It will be that way from now until around May. Don’t ask…It’s just the way things get around here in the desert when it’s still triple digits the 1st of October. People are just grumpy by then.
While walking, we talked about our favorite foods; what he would like for his upcoming birthday and how he accidentally sat on his cell phone and cracked the screen. It still works, but he just can’t see anything. It works fine for what he needs it for; only to call mom and dad and them to contact him. He seems perfectly fine with that, and not overly concerned. He is only 10. He normally wouldn’t even have one…but because he goes to an art school which is downtown and has to take the light rail (a cross between a train, a bus and a tram) to get to school and home, his parents felt a simple cell phone with only a couple contact numbers would be safer. I agree. He doesn’t need internet access or photo access. He’s 10. He needs to focus on his studies and learn how to actually communicate in a real way with his fellow classmates. Verbally.
After our walk, we got caught up in a great game of Monopoly! A game that we both love and play with lots of fervor. After a couple hours, we both got tired and decided to put it on pause until the next day. He’s the best banker, by the way. He’s always been great in math and figures! Plus he always buys up Park Place and Boardwalk, plus all the utilities and railroads. After he puts houses and hotels on the two properties, anyone who lands on them is pretty much in trouble!
We got ready for bed, then he watched a movie on my Kindle and I did some reading and writing on my laptop. We said our prayers and turned the lights out around midnight.
The next morning, we ate scrambled eggs with cheese, waffles and grapes. As I watched him carry his dishes to the sink and heard him say, “thank you Nana for the great breakfast,” my heart smiled. His parents were teaching and training him in a positive manner, and though it may be hard, the rewards were paying off. The years of reminding your child to say “please and thank-you” and show respect by saying “yes, ma’am and no sir” and looking a person in the eyes when they speak to you. Teaching your son to open the door for those behind you and to give the elderly person or lady your seat if there’s no more room. Each of these things that a good parent try’s to convey and show by example to their children, really does make a difference.
Thinking of others, before your self is a lost concept in much of society today. Kids are so focused on their own wants and needs and always looking down at the screen in front of them that they miss so many opportunities and chances of meeting amazing people that are right in front of them.
A text, email or comment on a social network can never compare to a great face to face conversation.
Before taking my grandson home, we had one more lovely walk together – per his request, not mine, (which made it much more special). We had our devotions before our walk, which always opens the door to inspiring glimpses into the soul of both of our hearts and minds.
We talked about the difference between being alone and being lonely. We shared how sometimes we need a God with skin on him (or her). I knew what he meant when he said that, but I also let him know that I believed that as a Christian, when we ask Jesus into our hearts, and then we communicate with each other, its almost like we are communicating with a piece of God.
My grandson made the comment that if we talked to each other as if we were talking to God, then we would talk differently. Interesting thought. I told him that when I prayed (or talked to God), I actually just talked to Him; just like I would talk to my best friend. Just like I was talking to him right at that moment. I would be open and honest and ask questions. If I was frustrated I would tell Him. If I was sad or upset or hurt…I would say so. If I was grateful, thankful and hopeful, I would tell Him and express it.
I guess my point is that, I don’t believe that we should feel like we have to be formal and “holy” and make it ritualistic when we pray or express our hearts to God. I believe it should real; heartfelt; open; vulnerable and just as if you were talking to the one you love the most. For me, that’s what makes my relationship with Jesus (God), real. I’m not praying to a God way out in the vast universe somewhere. That seems cold and a bit empty to me. I wanted my grandson to know that praying doesn’t have to be just on your knees with your hands folded a certain way at a certain time of day. I wanted him to know that you can pray while you’re walking to school, doing your homework, riding your bike, doing your chores…you can pray anywhere, anytime.
The Bible says to “pray without ceasing.” Well, you can’t pray without ceasing if it can only be on your knees or in front of your food three times a day. For me, that means, God wants to have an open communication with you always. He’s interested in what you’re doing; where you’re going and how you’re feeling. He’s interested in every part of your life. That’s what I want my grandson to know. That he is not alone. He has his parents; his Nana; his great-grandma; his friends and other family members who love him and pray for him and will be there for him, always, or as much as humanly possible. But God is with him always.
He may not completely grasp all of what that means right now, but I know as he grows mentally, emotionally and spiritually, he will.
As we were driving to his home, we were both quiet for most of the ride. Before pulling into his driveway, he said he had a great time, but his favorite part were our walks together. Then he jumped out of the car and ran inside the house and hugged his dog Cooper, and joined his siblings outside for a Nerf Gun battle!
My heart was full. The moments over the last 24 hours are now memories. Ones I will cherish always. I look forward to more moments, and I am so excited about the rest of my grandsons journey in this life on Earth. I know good things are coming his way.
As I walked into my little place I call home, I realized that my life was changed today. A spot in my heart that was a little sad, was now filled with a slice of joy; a little ray of light. For that, I am truly grateful.
Pam Torres | Author 