The Three Minute Grandparent

Mornings for most retired folks are slow. Where do we need to go? After years of working regular hours, suddenly we have few duties to fulfill and time, well we have plenty of free time. To fill the free hours, I have discovered substitute teaching in the local high schools. An early start is required to meet the students in their classes and that means a dark beginning of my day. Two days ago, I was up early for a substitute job, had my teacher bag, lunch and coffee…all of the necessities. As I walked out of our retirement apartment building, I tripped on something and fell. All of my teaching necessities spilled out of the bag, lunch was spread out for the ants, and coffee had stained the sidewalk, not to mention me, spread eagle and face down. I was dazed and angry at my clumsiness. Getting up from such a painful position was not going to be easy, so I tried to push up. Suddenly I felt the strong arms of someone helping me up. It was Fred Metzenbalm, one of our neighbors, a shy ma...

A Thanksgiving Story The young couple had moved to a large city for his job opportunity. Friends and family were left behind along with the familiarity of hometown memories.  Old jobs, home, and everyday landmarks were miles away while dreams of success were still in the future as the couple gazed at each other in their new but still strange apartment. Money was tight as the move had depleted their bank account. The new job, while an excellent opportunity, did not start for another week. Friends, well, there were no friends that Hank and Marion could find. Loneliness was a constant companion as each fought to stay positive for the other. The moving process had brought many curious faces, but no offers of help. The faces, while pleasant looking were lined and frankly…old. Hank was used to 20 and 30 somethings as his neighbors. Touch football games were common as were spur of the moment potluck dinners. Hank missed the companionship of friendly neighbors. Perhaps it had been a mi...

Walking to school each morning in the 1950s was rather so...so, until one morning, I met an older man walking the other way. He was dressed in an old military uniform. We passed with a nod and hello. I thought nothing of it.  I began to see the old man several mornings a week, always walking toward me then continuing on past me.  Our nods and hello's continued. One day I asked the old man where he was going and he answered, "to visit friends in the cemetery," which was down the road. I nodded and walked on.   About 2 or 3 days later, I met the old man, going the same direction. Funny, in all the times that we had passed each other, the uniform was the same each time, clean and pressed, like he was going to a formal affair. I finally got the nerve to ask his name and who he was going to see.  He told me his name was Josiah Lumpkin and he was visiting his commander in the graveyard, named Captain John Henry Walden. He asked if I would  like to come with him....

“This town ain’t big enough for the two of us.” Do you remember hearing this phrase on Saturday morning cowboy shows?   Following that line, someone left town in a hurry! Our recent road trip was more relaxed and a whole lot safer.   Grandma and I were escorted by number 2 son and daughter in law on a tour of Ellijay apple orchards. Our road trip began with a car ride, aimed toward the North Georgia mountains.   With Fall in the air, clouds in the sky, a slight breeze and trees showing color changes, our trip took on the nature of a pilgrimage.   Our goal?   Find the best apple orchards, buy the best apple products, and have an exciting day. The goal was met and even exceeded with the first orchard.   Apple jellies and jams, apple pies, and fresh apples were arranged in every corner of the orchard sales warehouse.   We discovered other pilgrims, making identical treks and having as much fun as we were. Our afternoon of excitement ...

“Growing older is not for sissies.” Said an older friend. As the young friend, I smirked and dutifully agreed with him. “This will never happen to me,” I thought! Fast forward many years and here I am! The process of aging has become painfully clear over the past decade. Aches and pains have become traveling partners. Weariness is a daily friend and diminishing eyesight is no longer a stranger to this body. The fitness workout, that in the past invigorated a young body, now invites a brief rest and perhaps an aspirin. The Battle Ropes that casually invite participation, after a somewhat vigorous workout, cause the core, arms and legs to ache like there is no tomorrow. Long walks or if you will, “Hikes,” tend to be followed with time in the recliner. This aging thing is NOT for the faint of heart. However, I count myself fortunate to participate in the aging process. Too many friends and colleagues have left this world with no opportunity to age, gracefully or otherwise. Perhaps...

Family, reunion, grown children, grandchildren, wedding, and cousins; sounds like a recipe for fun. Throw in a pool and hot tub....wow, this really is wonderful. Our fun began with a trip to visit cousins...lots of time for talking and listening, enjoying piano concerts, observing a techie cousin work his magic on my computer, eating with the family, riding in their boat and just relaxing with family.  Cares and troubles melt away in the presence of family love. Our reunion continued with immediate family, a hotel and pool.  The fun multiplied as we splashed, dunked and generally invaded the hotel pool and hot tub.  Add Grandchildren and magic occurs.  What is it about family that is so special to us? Perhaps it is the love that is felt immediately.  Could it be the looks of caring and acceptance? Reunion is a magic word with me...it means family, love, and memories that come alive. Thanks, family for filling my love bucket this weekend.

Relationships are all about people.  Relationships involve you talking to other people.  Relationships are the way we get to know other people.  One of the simplest relationships is the 30 second relationship.  This is by far the easiest relationship. It involves speaking to someone who walks by. Perhaps someone is sitting next to you, or invades your space. This type of relationship makes no promises, it does not set up another meeting to talk, nor does it look to anything else in the future.  The 30 second relationship is merely speaking to someone as they walk by. It could simply involve holding the door for someone walking in or out of a building, or just a kind brief word as you walk by someone else. 30 second relationships cost almost nothing to the one relating, however a smile, word or just reaching out to someone may brighten the day of someone. A 3 minute relationship begins with the 30 second one then moves a little further. How, you may ask?...

Retirement has been an unknown path for this Grandpa as he continues down the road of life.  So many new and frightening situations present themselves on a daily basis, my head spins at times.  In plainer English...I'm still trying to find my place. As someone who has worked all his life, this retirement situation  of not working on a regular basis is almost impossible.  I find that a project is needed to keep me focused, on track, and relaxed. Grandma told me that she is not my project. We are both gym members, we are involved at our church, we have family nearby, and I help with housework.  Is there nothing more for me? Please? A friend told me, "You need to find a new purpose for your life." OK...easier said than done. So....what is my purpose? Glorify God...yes. Love my wife...yes. Love my family...yes. Time still remains...how do I fill that time? Another friend suggested, discover your passion and you may find your purpose. This Summer has been...

Moving is not fun.  Let's get that out in the open. Moving is a pain, it takes time, energy and it costs lots of money.  There, I've said it. In contrast, the results of moving can be exciting, delighting, ecstatic, and dramatic.  (Borrowed from Ralph Carmichael) So, here is the scoop.  Our move began in late February with packing, throwing away, more packing and more throwing away.  We used rolls of bubble wrap and packing tape on piles and piles of boxes.  Thanks to Harvest Foods in Lolo, MT for an endless supply of boxes. Our small apartment soon had an entire side of the living room stacked...to the ceiling...with packed, taped and labeled boxes. We packed with the understanding that we were following God's leadership toward something greater.  So we packed and packed and packed some more until...............the apartment was empty and all was either in a box or ready to load on a truck as is. We were ready to go. Where? Come back next tim...