These past few days, we were with our son, daughter-in-law, and three grandkids. You who know me know how much I enjoy taking them swimming, playing catch, being an adoring audience for a song and dance review, going out for breakfast, etc.
I am always amazed how much they change between visits. Based on our last visit I am geared up to do what we did then, only to learn that It is now boring! Kids do not stand still and the challenge keeps us growing.
Their dad, our son Scott, asked me if I would take the old sand box apart. We no longer need it. A bit nostalgic to take the old sandbox apart. Kind of the end of an era. I built the first sandbox 16 years ago. Lots of sand castles, bulldozers, forts, make believe. The youngest grandchild is now 5 going on 12 and not interested in a sandbox.
As we spread the sand over the front yard, I thought how symbolic, braking out of the small box into a bigger world. Olympic development soccer tournaments in Virginia; a class trip to Spain, a Hannah Montana concert, A Jonas Brothers concert this summer, a school friend from Lebanon explaining and complaining about fasting during Ramadan, a Florida golfer and avid Mets fan, and the 5 year old who is disappointed that granddad has not watched all the Star Wars movies.
A sandbox cannot contain these energetic growing lives. And I hope I have the sense to tear apart future sandboxes that confine and limit the vision I have for my grandchildren. |