Our youngest grandchild is in 6th grade this year. This is a major shift in what we are called to do when we are covering for their parents. No longer is it diapers, constant oversight, 24-7 attending to needs. That makes it easy to sluff off in the grandparent assignment. But if a teen or tween wants to play a game, needs a ride, wonders what there is to eat in the house— that’s a communication opportunity that you don’t want to miss. Today, for the second week in a row, one of my granddaughters wanted to hang out with me at Smokey Row. We played card games, got something to drink, and chattered about this and that. Then she did her art thing while I did my computer thing.

Next we went to an appointment, and I’m writing this while I sit in the waiting room. She wanted lunch at Culver’s. Meanwhile, husband is hanging out and having lunch with her brother—doing the guy’s choice. They stayed over last night, and tonight we bring them home.

It will be harder to find these opportunities once school starts. Then, there is a lot of activities to attend and watch, texts and emails to send, and opportunity to be sunshine in words to those who are not close by.

I didn’t get to enjoy proximity to my grandparents who lived half a country away. We are blessed with the opportunity and the health to be a part of their lives. Thank you, God.