The blessings of adult children

Leanne and Eric at Gold Creek in Golden Ears Provincial Park

Before I was married, I knew I wanted to have children some day.  I enjoyed kids, having been a scout leader and a Christian Service Brigade leader for a total of 8 years.  I became a teacher with the same heart for youth.  But in all my interactions with young people, I never thought of what having adult children would be like.

Life after high school had its challenges with the newfound freedoms and responsibilities.  We were there to applaud the successes and support them when times weren't so good.  And through it all came the realization that maybe mom and dad knew what they were doing all along, not that such an admission would ever leave their lips.  The amazing thing, though, was that a friendship started to grow beyond the classic meme.

It can be difficult to think of your children as independent adults, capable of finding their way without your involvement.  Fortunately, two things happen that change the relationship once again.  The first is that they actually want to spend time with you.  There is something in the familiarity and history that brings them home, a longing for the feeling of home that never really goes away.  And you don't have to ask them to do dishes or take out the trash - they do it without asking.  Who are these people, and what did they do with my kids?

The second thing is even more amazing.  Children having children.  And once again, the need for mom and dad adds a whole new level of interaction and respect.  And it goes both ways.  Everyone is on the same team and enraptured with the new life that changes everything; status quo becomes status go.  Grandparents get to relive being parents again vicariously, with the ability to disappear at will.  The nice thing about taking the baby is the ability to give it back.

Routine enters the fray again as the grandchildren themselves grow to adulthood.  And then it happens, slowly at first then seemingly out of nowhere the grandparents become children.  With age comes diminishing health and abilities.  The blessings keep coming as now we are the care given rather than the care givers.  And they are with us until the end.  Blessing and blessed.  Loving and loved.  And very, very thankful.  

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com

And so 

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