When you are a parent, you realize that things will happen to your children: skinned knees, even broken bones, allergies, accidents. You take it in your stride, do what you can or get them to someone who can. It’s part of what you take on as a parent.
When you become a grandparent, it is just a little different. They belong to someone else now. You may have had the experience with their mom or dad, but these are given to you for a fun, safe weekend. You are supposed to be the terrific place to come where they are pampered and loved and fed and are safe. You certainly don’t want anything to happen to them on your watch. How could your own child ever forgive you if their child was hurt while with you?
And I learned last night, if she is your grandchild and you think she might be in trouble, it doesn’t matter how old she is. Granddaughter and boy friend took the kayak and headed for the beach. They were not out long when there was a roll of thunder. Although the sky over the lake was clear, the clouds behind the house were dark and the thunder just kept rolling and crashing. I was torn between, “they are adults, have traveled in Europe, are on a road trip from SoCal and can certainly take care of themselves” and “does our granddaughter know enough to get off the lake if a storm is coming??? Help!!!”
Of course the first thought applied. It wasn’t long before they were back home having gotten off the lake immediately, carried the kayak back to the car and left the beach. Competent, efficient and quite able to care for themselves. Still, in a grandmother’s heart, they are her responsibility and nothing better happen on my watch.
A Very Competent Couple!
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