And Now, a New Hello
What can I write as an encore to last week’s blog?
Last week I wrote about death. This week I’ll focus on life – my grandchildren, to be specific.
I have six biological children who now range in age from their mid-thirties to almost sixty. As every parent can easily imagine, it’s been a trip. And now I am blessed with ten grandchildren who range in age from 15 months to thirty years.
I will admit that I’m not your standard grandpa, especially since I typically gravitate toward people with whom I can have an adult conversation. For example, my oldest grandchild, Grace, is now a Resident at a Harvard hospital. (Yes, I’m bragging. In that way I can enjoy a small part of her applause, while doing none of the actual work.)
About ten years ago, when Grace was nineteen, I realized that I had never had a real adult conversation with her, so I arranged for us to have lunch. I was amazed. She was thoughtful, interested in almost everything, and a delightful lunch companion. Though Grace is now completing her training as an anesthesiologist, she certainly did not put me to sleep.
Over the past weekend much of the family was together. I took great delight in watching my grandson Robin who is two years old, give or take. (I don’t keep track of birthdays, but Daveen does an impeccable job of that.) Lately, Robin has attracted a lot of attention and laughter by calling out, “Daveeeeeeeeen.” I think he was originally imitating me, but it’s so funny that almost everyone in the family has begun imitating him.
I’ve read that many people born today will still be alive in the year 2100. That bogles my mind, especially since in that year Robin would be nearly the age I am today.
I’m remembering two lines from the play Julius Caesar by Shakespeare. “The evil that men do lives after them. The good is oft interred with their bones.” (Shakespeare certainly had a way with words.)
I prefer to amend that line. I believe that the good we do lives after us, hopefully to be continued, and amplified, by our children and grandchildren.
To them — I love you all.
Alan