THE GRANDKIDS

There was a break in drama at The Home today. I managed that by avoiding people. I had coffee with a group of non-gossipers then came back to start work on the next newsletter. My neighbor came by to have me copy some items for her — a service I provide when I can. But the best part of the day was being with the grandkids tonight.

My kid’s church had their big annual meeting tonight and the two youngest kids stayed with me. I love it when I get time alone with them. My apartment is not the most fun place, but we survived. The oldest arrived from a basketball game at school. Her dad brought her. While she showered and got herself cleaned up in case she ran into some boys, he and I talked about the new Matt Damon movie, “The Adjustment Bureau.” It’s an interesting movie dealing with the issue of freewill verse preset and predetermined lives. I am not a predestinationist.

The youngest brought his new basketball so we could go to the park. I don’t even know if there is a basketball court in our little park, but it didn’t matter — there was some rain and the wind is freezing. It took some doing but he backed off. That’s his new thing. He is fast and a good defender, but needs work on shooting. It will come. He wanted it to come tonight.

Mom brought supper and “Megaminds,” a cartoon their had wanted to see. It was great fun. I let them drink pop until they will most likely swim in it. They both finished two cans here and took another one when they left. I expect they will both be up at lease once during the night. They need to experience what papa goes through every night. Their mom might not agree. However, she won’t have to get up. They are old enough to take care of themselves.

When the movie was over “Finding Nemo” was just beginning on the Disney channel so we transitioned into that one. No one paid must attention to the second movie. The girl moved to the computer and the boy began telling me knock-knock jokes. He loves doing it, but needs some work on his timing. I’m a good papa. I laugh no matter what.

We had chocolate brownie ice cream and a brownie and mom showed up right about the time we finished. Yes, I’m biased, I may do little for these kids, but they mean the world to me. They all hug me when they arrive and again when they leave. I live for those moments. They make my day. The best part is I get to be with the two little ones again tomorrow. Mom and dad are helping out with the high school production of “West Side Story” behind the scenes and the two little ones and I get to relax in the audience. I’m a lucky guy. The girl will like the love story and the boy will like the fights. I will bask in their presence. Yeah!