My oldest granddaughter interviewed me this week for her project on grandparents. Her questions were simple and complex to answer: What adjectives describe you, What do I feel, What do I love, What do I give, What do I fear, and What would I like to see? This is her take on me after the interview.
I’m silly, philosophical, active, and caring. I’m a lover of family, nature, and learning. I feel empathy, joy, and gratefulness. I give my attention, my stories, and my love. I fear war, getting hit by a car, and losing my family. I would like to see peace on earth and more of the world.
Her sister, three years younger, struggled to write the words that showed her love. Usually articulate, her abilities fell short. I saw in her eyes the wish to be masterful, yet her skills in spelling and writing didn’t match what she felt. As she handed me her words, I noticed her eyes, slightly reddened, wide, and filled with yearning. I felt her love more because she cared so deeply.
Mother’s day—grandparent’s day—father’s day, all swirl around family love, sharing, caring, and expressing gratitude.
As I walked the school halls with the other grandparents, I felt the pride of three generations. Many of the grandparents were younger than me, others struggled with walkers, lost in swell of tight spaces and crowds of kids and noise.
I was struck by the essence of the kids’ message. They honored what we felt, feared, loved, and gave of ourselves. No mention of careers or status in society, they focused their gift on our honoring our connection.
I often wonder if I’ve done enough in my lifetime. I sometimes struggle with where I am as I age and retire from the busy world. My grandchildren know better.
When I think of legacy, I’m reminded that we alone are enough.
Abbe Rolnick grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore and lives in the Pacific Northwest. After attending Boston University, she lived in Puerto Rico, where she owned a bookstore. She is the owner of Sedro Publishing. Her writings include three novels in the Generation ofSecrets Series, as well as Cocoon of Cancer: An Invitation to Love Deeply,Tattle Tales: Essays and Stories Along the Way, and Bubbies Magical Hair. To learn more about her writings, Abbe’s Notes and Abbe’s Ruminations, visit her website, http://www.abberolnick.com. Abbe welcomes questions and requests for speaking engagements and would love to hear from you.
