My Favorite

I raised three sons and a daughter, starting in the early eighties and continuing today. They are, I must admit, a lot less needy than back then. Of course, my youngest is thirty-five and my oldest is forty-one so that’s to be expected. The job of dad has evolved over these past four decades, as they have become exceptional adults. I doubt I can take much credit for their growth, since I was, admittedly, just winging it. While the career of fatherhood is definitely the best job I’ve ever had, I had no idea what I was doing. I just tried to do my best. I’m really glad they survived it. I think it worked out pretty well. I couldn’t be prouder of all four of them.  

   Grandad is, in a lot of ways, a much better gig than being a dad. The hours are much better. I get many more opportunities to nap. I need that. Those young folks have gotten faster and will drain you quicker than you can say “let’s go outside”. They talk faster, are quicker to catch onto anything with a plug-in, or connected to Bluetooth, and seem to eat nothing but Mickey D’s. And the pay still stinks. The perks of being a Grandad more than make up for all that, however. 

   As I said, I have three sons and a daughter. Now I also have three grandsons and a granddaughter. Raising my daughter was, and is, an experience like no other in my life. I have found that having a granddaughter is like a continuation of that experience. It’s pretty awesome.  Chelsea was about nine years old when her mom and my stepson wed. She was shy, quiet and cute as a button. It took a lot of hugs and time for her to learn just how much she’d won our hearts. I’ve watched her grow up in these past four years into a beautiful, smart and funny young woman. I cherish my hugs in the mornings when their parents drop her and her brother off before they go to work. I enjoy listening to her tell me about her music, school and just about everything that pops into her head. It can be hard for my old ears to keep up with her, but she makes me smile every day. She loves to read (which I also love) and she loves puzzles and crafts. She’s very artistic and wonderfully musical. She makes my heart sing. If I had to build a granddaughter (you know, like “build-a-bear”?) I’d build a young woman that looks, sounds and acts exactly like Chelsea Raelynn Pickard. She’d be my favorite granddaughter, even if I had twenty of the critters. 

   It just so happens that Chelsea will turn thirteen years old on Thursday, June 26th. We had cake and gifts last Saturday, but I just want her to know how special she is to me. You’re a gift and I love you very much, Chelsea! Thank you for being my favorite granddaughter ever!  Happy Birthday! 

God bless Y’all!