Friday, December 08, 2006

What can a grandchild teach me?

I cannot walk. I spend my day in the chair of my Amigo scooter. When the grandkids were very young, each one of them, in their own time and in their own way, asked me why I couldn't walk. I did my best to explain to them about my MS.

Taylor, nearly a toddler herself, was the first to offer to teach me to walk. She was so sure she could teach me, because it really isn't too difficult. She learned to walk, so surely I could learn, too. She wasn't one to give up, and we went through that scenario several times.

Michael was the next to offer. He added a couple of extras to the offer. First, he wanted me to lean on him for my first few steps, and don't worry -- he would not let go. After I declined that offer, he pulled out one of my canes -- unused for years -- and tried to explain to me that the cane would keep me from falling.

No, kids, it's not that I haven't learned how to walk, but that I haven't learned how to walk without using my legs. What I learned, however, is how very sweet and caring you each can be. I will always remember your loving concern, and I thank you very much.

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3 comments:

mdmhvonpa said...

Grandchildren are the reward for bearing the burden of children, no? My own two are surely making these the grandest years for their own grandparents. God knows they deserve it after what I put them through!

Vicki said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Vicki said...

There is joy in grandchildren that we are unable to experience with our own kids. We are too occupied with making a living and ensuring our kids become good parents so their kids can be enjoyable.

I remember my father, who was always busy in my childhood, always had time to take my boys fishing. I think they all benefited.

And he was patient and generous enough not to punish them for my pranks.