“You will never look  
back on life and think,  
‘I’ve spent too much  
time with my  
grandchildren.’”

Author Unknown

I’ve been focused on gratitude for almost twenty years now.  There is much I’ve learned about being grateful. One particular lesson is this: Gratitude becomes more meaningful when it is connected to the people we love.

Kathy and I have been blessed with five grandchildren: Liam (12), Emily (9), Penelope (6), Scarlett (4), and Henry (2). I am especially grateful for the quality time I’ve been able to spend with all five of these little ones. I’m grateful to live close enough to them to be an active part of their lives. And I’m grateful for the unique and positive relationship I share with each of them.

When I speak of “quality time,” I’m not referring just to the big events like Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or birthdays. While those are always enjoyable, it’s the ordinary moments I get to spend with them — talking, playing, reading, sharing meals, going for a walk, and just enjoying each other’s company — that make my experience with them truly extraordinary. This type of time, which I might also describe as “sacred time,” requires more than simply my presence. It requires my attentiveness — listening to their stories, noticing their interests, laughing together, and giving them my full attention.

The word “grandkids” is a collective term, but I have five unique relationships with my five grandchildren. Liam turns 12 next week. He is quickly approaching adolescence and beginning to see the world with greater interest and independence. Emily, at age 9, continues to develop interests, abilities, and a stronger sense of identity. 

6-year-old Penny displays a level of curiosity and discovery which is characteristic of a young person in the early school years. Scarlett offers a constant display of imagination, enthusiasm, and spontaneity, perhaps even more so than the average 4-year-old. And Henry,… ah, yes,… Henry. He provides the wonder, affection, and discovery of full-blown toddlerhood. As different as these kids are from each other, I appreciate each one for who they are, rather than having the misguided expectation that they all fit into some pre-determined mold.

Of course, I cherish the opportunity to be a teacher and mentor to my grandkids, sharing wisdom I gained through the years. I want to share family stories, the importance of being kind to others, the value of honesty, patience, and a sense of humor. Perhaps most of all, I want to share my passion for gratitude.

As a career educator, I’m well-aware that learning is a lifelong task, so it should be no surprise to hear me acknowledge that I learn much from my grandkids. They’ve taught me to remain curious, to live more fully in the present moment, to laugh more often, to see things through fresh eyes, to forgive quickly, and to be open to the wonders our ever-changing world. It’s important for us to realize that wisdom does not travel in only one direction.

Finally, one more word about gratitude. I am tremendously grateful for the opportunity to observe my five grandkids growing through the different stages of their lives. It’s a privilege to see them mature and blossom into their own unique human beings. 

Being “Papa” to these five young ones is more than simply being the father of their fathers. Being “Papa” offers me a priceless opportunity to know them, spend time with them, love them unconditionally, and continue to learn alongside them. 

I wholeheartedly agree with the popular humorous saying, “If I had known grandchildren were this much fun, I would have had them first!”