Grandchildren

Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.

Let's face it. Kids, no matter how much we love them, can be more than a challenge, especially as they grow into the teenage years. The thought of throttling them must be squelched, no matter how strong.

All it takes is to remember that WE drove our parents batty at the same age and here we are, safe and sound, which can be a matter of opinion.

Today is my grandson's birthday. His name is Boaz, and he's a wonderful little boy. My son, Eric and his wife, Lesley are great parents, and so their daughter, Abigail is wonderful, as well. My other grandchild from my son's family, Titus, is too young, so the book is still out on him.

My other grandchildren are from my daughter, Sarah and Steve Salazar, who are also great parents. After staying in both households for a period of time, I'm amazed at how different each environment is, and yet each one works.

My daughter has two wonderful children, too. Katie, who is very bright, intelligent and funny, Isaac, who is a little version of the cartoon character, "The Tanzanian Devil", but in a good way.

In the meantime, Sarah is going to deliver their third child later this month, so you can imagine how challenging her life can be. Trying to keep track of Isaac, at this point, requires a great deal of patience.

So, what about grandparents? Well, it is said that grandparenting is a great thing because you get to visit with the grandchildren and then give them back. In my case, I can't agree with that, because we are separated by thousands of miles.

We live in Utah, while they live in Mississippi and Georgia. I talk to them now and again, but not as often as I want or should or want. That will change this year. Its difficult to travel back to see them because I can't travel alone, due to the fact that I have seizures. If I can have someone to travel with me, that works.

In the end, what matters most, for me, is loving God with everything I've got, and loving my wife, children and grandchildren. I must never take them for granted.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to make some phone calls.

Check out my books at Amazon.com. Just search for my name.