How Fortunate

I have been reading a book about marriage by Steve and Cokie Roberts, called "From This Day Forward." Although the book was published in 2000 and I bought it quite a few years ago, I am just now getting around to reading it. Steve and Cokie chronicle much about their own marriage and family life, but they also write about many other couples and what part marriage played in their lives.

As I was reading this morning it suddenly dawned on me:  I have lived to see my children's children.  Of course I have been crazy about each and every one of my grandchildren.  But the reality of the blessing it has been -- and is -- never sunk in until this moment.  Perhaps it is because I am now visiting the tenth of those grandchildren.  Or maybe I'm just slow in getting to some of the truth in life.

My paternal grandmother did not get to see any of her grandchildren.  In fact, she did not even live to see her last child, my father, out of infancy.  She died about a month after he was born. And though my dad lived long enough to see his grandchildren being born, he did not get to enjoy the pleasure of watching them grow.

One if the greatest pleasures in life is watching those little creatures develop into amazing human beings. I adore looking at the pictures of them progressing through the various stages and appreciating what a unique person each one is.  There are no two alike, even in the same family.  We have funny ones, serious ones, athletic ones, and still so much more to come, because we don't know much about the baby's personality.  But we have been assured she will be extremely intelligent and spunky.

I have loved watching my children grow into the fine young men they have become, and of course, I am so proud of them. But there is something so different about watching their children grow up. I used to say it is because when your own children are growing up, there is no time to enjoy it.  You are much too busy being a parent.  Knowing that it goes by so quickly though makes a grandparent appreciate and savor each little moment.  For it is in those little moments that big memories are created.

So for those who have heard the Irish blessing -- or read the verse in Psalm128:6 -- to wish someone the grace of seeing their children's children is to bestow the best fortune ever, long life with abundant family.

Yes, I have been fortunate indeed.