JEFFREY

Sometimes, well almost all the time, Grandparents rule. Learning curves established with their own children have been acknowledged and refined. Also there is that delightful attribute of being a “grand” in knowing that all the unpleasant part of parenting is no longer their responsibility.

Though I was never lucky enough to be a grandparent myself, I was blessed with a few dandies in my life and have met some delightful examples out side my family. I have some amazing examples right here among my blog buddies.

I once worked with a lady that was a fine specimen of what a good grandparent should be. Krista was the type of person that if I had to come back human, I wanted to be just like her.

She was a beautiful woman in her fifties that had been a model in her younger days. Her Swedish heritage showed in her posture, blue eyes and natural blonde hair. If she had any grey hairs, they were undetectable in the pale blonde curls. Her open, gregarious, unconventional , quite the rascally personality, was fun to be around.

She could cook dishes that made your eyes roll in pleasure, was a gracious hostess and had married a handsome, former Olympian who was at that time I knew them, in the steel business. They had an equally handsome son who provided them with two beautiful grandsons. Now you can partly see why the image envy.

Krista told me the following story that illustrated that she also had the wisdom that comes with being a grandparent.

The key to this story lies in the fact that her husband was named Thomas, their son was Thomas Jr. and grandsons were Thomas III and Jeffrey.

One day, nine year old Jeffrey came up to her obviously troubled.

“Grandma----Grandpa is Thomas Senior,right.” He did not question but stated, just wanting confirmation.

“That's right.” Krista said.

“And Dad is Thomas Jr.” he again stated.

“That's right.” Krista again countered.

“And my brother is Thomas the third.” He again sought her reassurance but with each statement his head dropped further.

“Yes he is.” she answered puzzled at his stating the obvious.

Finally, not even looking at her, he mumbled into his chest. “Then I guess that makes me Jeffrey the Nothing.”

Only his crestfallen look kept her from bursting into laughter. To him, this was critical. His not being named Thomas the Forth was causing him great pain. It was only her quick thinking that saved Jeffrey from possibly needing adult therapy in 20 years. Instead of trying to convince Jeffrey how not being chosen to carry his father's name wasn't a sign of being least favored and unloved, she explored the positive.

“Oh no.” she said quickly,” That makes you Jeffery the First. Someday when you have children, you can become Jeffrey Senior if that is what you want. You are "the beginning" just like your grandfather.”

Those few words sent “Jeffrey the First” walking away from her with an absolute strut in his stride and a huge smile as he digested the new #1 status he shared with his adored grandfather. I'm sure that one thing didn't make a critical difference in Jeffrey, but it had to have helped his self-esteem and sense of belonging. Krista said just the right thing.

Jeffrey eventually grew up to be a respected judge, just like his Dad. If I remember correctly, he produced only a female offspring so I don't believe he ever got to be Jeffrey Sr. Pretty sure it didn't matter by then.

Krista has long left us but I still remember her with admiration how she lived her life, used her blessings and shared her kind wisdom. I lift my glass of apple juice to salute her and all you grandparents who excel every day. You are the best.

My Internet Service Provider has been having fits the whole weekend with my service being sporadic at best. At least 75% of the time, I have had no access to the Internet nor my e-mail this week end.

I am going to schedule this post for Monday and hope it goes out OK. I would be upset at this iffy service but I am used to it. It did rain after all. Have no idea why but a heavy rain seems to be more than my podunk server can handle. Shuts it down every time.

I still adore my town, just find the cell service and my only choice of Internet provider, outside of satellite, seriously lacking. According to friends who have tried, our satellite isn't that hot either and way expensive. Can't have it all I guess. Keep toes crossed for me.