Spanning four generations, these little hands so preciously folded, show the sweet disposition of the boy they’re attached to. For the past week, my old broken-down hands were part of his life on a daily basis. As we sat in the airport on our first leg of the trip, this little fellow was about to board his first plane and adventure above the clouds. His Gigi would watch as he made friends with a fellow traveler who looked out the window of the airport to view the planes and talk about colors and numbers. I thought to myself how much he was like his great grandfather – friendly, outgoing, and fearless. Each step of this trip brought me closer to him, his mom (my granddaughter,) her mom, my firstborn daughter and her husband.

As I look at this picture, I see a thousand words. The beginning of new adventures waiting to explode before him. The curiosity of young eyes exploring new things. The heart of a child that has brought love and hope for the future. Many hours were spent in that little stroller of his. I thought how much alike we are. I am too old to walk so far, but with the help of some wheels I can manage. We observed animals in the zoo – a ton of examples of science, technology, daily living and more at the Children’s Museum. We spent many hours in the car loaded with our wheels waiting to be used again. Squished and pasted together with love that can’t be compromised.

Family time is something to be treasured, even when it seems like an endless war of wills and times of resistance. Looking at this from the point of view of a little child is like an awakening of the senses. So much to see, touch, hear and learn. As an octogenarian the focus is on the present moment and hopes for those she loves. I wonder what this young man will be when he grows up. Will I live to see that? I wonder if his time spent with family will continue to enrich his life. I dream big for him. I know God has a plan for him and for me. I pray that our time together will continue to build a solid bond.

“If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” Winnie the Pooh/A.A. Milne

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR EVERY DAY!