July 23. “What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change and they give me a million dollars’ worth of pleasure.” (Gene Perret)

I am fairly new to the role of being a grand parent. Because of some circumstances, I am getting to get my feet wet in it over the course of time. I haven’t yet gotten to the distribution of change, but I can most definitely attest to the enormous payback in the joy of their love.

Yesterday’s reflection was on the opportunity to build the future with my children. As I get to the stage of my life where grandchildren will be around, that opportunity is renewed and refreshed. And, I am excited for the chance.

Today I am in the middle of my trip to the race. It has been enormously fun so far, and much more is to come. Last night I was looking around at how many people brought young children to the race, and it warmed my heart. There were some cases where it was obvious that it was grandparents with grand children, as well as plenty of parents. Whether it is a race, a baseball game, a trip to the theater, or any of hundreds of other opportunities, taking the next generation along to enjoy what you enjoy helps pass that joy to them as well. Seeing the looks on their faces as they experience the event for the first time is quite a bonus.

Grand children to give back to their grandparents far more than they could ever imagine. Witnessing the dawn of a new generation makes me feel young.