Cathy and I received the call on March 1, 2007, around 1:10 in the afternoon. My son Jeff called with the message, “Well you have a grandson and you are grandparents now!” As much as his message was somewhat flippant, it was news we had been waiting for since we found out our daughter-in-law was expecting. The idea that we now had a grandson was both exciting and a little scary, at least it was for me.
Following that call, we prepared to meet our new grandson Jake by driving down to Prentice Women’s Hospital, on a cold and windy day. It seemed like it would take us forever, but we finally reached the hospital, found parking and made our way up to Christie’s room where Jake was being cuddled by his mom and dad. Of course, Grandma Cathy was the first to hold our new grandson, while I was aware that I would soon get a chance to hold the newest Marchese in my arms. When the time came to hold him, I felt a wave of emotion, and found that I had tears in my eyes as I sat there holding little Jake in my arms. Jeff looked at me and asked “why are you crying dad,” and after a second I looked at him and said that “when this little boy becomes a man and has a son that he puts in your arms, you will find yourself with tears in your eyes.’
Three years later, we shared the same experience when our Granddaughter Ella was born. Since I never had a daughter, I knew that this little girl would soon own my heart, and she would always find a way to Papa’s heart. Over the years, I have found that each of my grandchildren hold a special place in my life and in my heart. Of course, Grandma is much more forgiving than me, and if you know the quote, “If Mom says no, ask Grandma. If Grandma says no… Who are we kidding? Grandma never says no,” then you know that Cathy is always there for Jake and Ella.
While Cathy and I lead busy and active lives, we always find time for our two grandchildren, whether its picking them up after school, attending Jake’s football games or Ella’s softball and volleyball games, we are almost always there. When someone asked why we spend so much time in their lives, I tell them that life is about creating great memories, and I want my grandchildren to know and always remember how much we love them and how important they are in our lives.
This coming Sunday, September 10 is National Grandparents Day, and for some it will result in Hallmark cards, while for others it will involve family visits and expressions of love. Regardless of how that day goes, my grandchildren will always hold a special place in my heart. I truly believe, that as Richard Garnett states “Love is the greatest gift one generation can leave another.” Happy Grandparents Day!