A recent conversation with my oldest son has left me thinking back to those earlier years of when he and his brother were much younger.
In this recent conversation, I was listening to him talking about his challenges of not only being an adult but also his challenges of parenthood. He has a daughter, soon to be 2 years old in May.
The conversation was nothing different than what we all as adults, and parents, go through. So why am I thinking back to when my sons were younger? It’s because a part of me is still getting used to the idea that both of my sons are fairly new parents. That’s right, my youngest son became a father near the end of January. He also has a daughter.
A part of my mind isn’t prepared for conversations of this magnitude with my sons. Honestly, I’d much rather have another conversation with them about Bob the Builder or Bear In The Big Blue House. As a parent, I know I’m not alone in this.
The only thing we can do is embrace this promotion to becoming grandparents and be there for our kids, as we all know they’ll be coming to us at some point for some kind of support. We knew this would happen eventually; it’s part of life. It may not happen to all of us, but certainly to the majority.
My sons know that I am always on standby, and I’m sure many of you who share in my situation have told your kids the same. It’s funny to refer to my sons still as my kids, as they have passed that threshold long ago.
It doesn’t matter, regardless of how old they get, they will always be my kids.
— Submitted by Ray Gauthier