Wonder Shared Through A Grandfather's Eyes

Today is National Grandparents Day, and although I have a multitude of thoughts about being a grandparent, I thought I’d share a sweet story between a grandfather and his young granddaughter that emphasizes what today is all about.

This grandfather has a curiosity about the night sky. Connecting stars to one another, identifying constellations and noting the relationship between the earth and the stars that shine from billions of miles away have always fascinated him. Because this grandfather happens to be my brother-in-law, I’ve been privy to his star fascination for years. He would tell you regardless of where you are, clear skies at night impart wonder and curiosity that’s infectious. Wherever his travels take him, his awareness is heightened as he looks up, searching for a different perspective in shared skies. He would be thrilled to tell you the Big Dipper has an arc that points to the star, Arcturus. And did you know the Northern Cross looks very much like a real cross and is huge compared to the Southern Cross which is small and might look more like a diamond?

Imagine taking a boat out to the middle of a lake where the night sky glistens with the twinkle of stars that encompass galaxies from far, far away.  Here, in the quiet of the night, this grandfather becomes a professor of astronomy to his eager granddaughter. Together they identify how star formations reach towards the horizons. The marvel is made easier by a super fancy laser pointer that looks like it was borrowed from a Harry Potter novel.  After several late-night sessions over this past summer, the young girl is now confident enough to not only name stars but identify their relationship with one another. What an expansive world this grandfather has offered to his celestial apprentice by way of light that shines through darkness. I already know that no matter where this sweet girl goes in her big life, when she looks up into the night sky, she will think of her grandfather with tenderness and affection.

Although I didn’t live near my grandparents, they imparted lifelong lessons I still cherish. I learned how to use a thimble and make irresistible poundcake from my grandmother who I saw only once a year. Her heart imprint, for me, was true and authentic. I still can feel the softness of her weathered hands. Just ask my brother, Gerry what our grandfather taught him during a bargaining exchange with a car salesman. He’d tell you the lesson still resonates. Not all grandparent lessons are as vast as the universe. Some grandparents create magic while searching for butterflies. Other grandparents instill memories making popcorn. My guess is many grandparents intuitively know how impactful their unique brand of unconditional love can be for grandkids who search and yearn for connection.  

I recently ran into an acquaintance who was so eager to show me a photo of his very first grandchild. He beamed admiring his new claim to the abundant world of grandparenthood. I told him his heart would be forever hijacked by this precious little one. I could already sense the tenderness and pride he wore like a precious jewel.

We grandparents have a lot to celebrate today. Our hope is that intentional time spent with our grandkids will impart affectionate memories that last an eternity. But, as my brother-in-law noted after stargazing with his granddaughter, such opportunities to connect are a greater gift for him. The fact that a little girl can now identify the star Arcturus has now become a tattoo on the heart for them both. That’s as wonder-filled as it gets.