In just a couple of days our calm and quiet life is going to be changed for 3 weeks. Our grandchildren, along with their mother, are coming for an extended visit. The grandsons are 7, 5 and 2... so now you can begin to appreciate how our quiet and solitude will be broken. There will be games, there will be reading of books, there will be disagreements among them, specific chairs will be occupied "until you can get along". Everything breakable from 4' on down is being stowed away or secured in a higher location. What will get broken this time?
Don't get me wrong: I am happily awaiting this trial by child. Once I lived this life and looking from the inside out wondered what life would and could be like. Now that I now longer am living full time with little people I am on the outside looking in. I am pretty certain I prefer it that way.
Today, at a church event, I saw a young father and mother with their 3 boys just a little younger than the grandsons I have described above. Dad was holding the youngest in his lap and doing his level best to keep the boy occupied and relatively quiet. I had a flashback to my days with similar goals and I smiled and (perhaps) shed a tear to two remembering my little guys and gals! I loved having kids!
I also love having grandchildren. But years have gone by since I had to live with them and so there will be a bit of an adjustment as I slide back into the 'higher energy level' required to make things work. This is what I mean by 'storm'... a change to the pace. I think it is a good thing that you have your children when you yourself are young. Yes, it would be better to import the knowledge and wisdom gained by your parents like a mysterious computer transaction. Yet the energy you can bring to the table helps you get through those times when your wits have abandoned you and you just have to outlast 'em. (or send them to bed!)
Bring it on! I am ready. (I hope)
