Grandchildren: ?The Crown of Old Age? or ?The Spark for Longer Life??

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

Having just returned from a week with my 5 grandchildren, ages 4 to 13, has given me a new perspective in looking at the world. I wonder, did I look at the world as these kids do?

Somehow I think we were somewhat sheltered from the stresses and negative news that bombards us all today. Also, everyday, at least for some period of time, these kids were attached to electronic entertainment ? even the 4 year old ? we didn?t even watch television on my childhood vacations!

During this past week, we had the most smiles and fun boating as all of the grandkids took turns going tubing. As I think about this day, I think that it was free from stress, from all electronics and distractions of modern day living. Even when they were giving thumbs down to slow the boat, the smiles were broad and never-ending ? as you can see from the picture in this blog.

One evening, looking at the stars with the 12 and 13 year olds, my 12 year old granddaughter, said ?I wonder what I will look like when I?m old ? did you think you would look like this when you were old, Grandma?? Now, is that something I would have thought about? I don?t think so. Or, is she worried she could look like me in the future? And is that a positive or a negative? I didn?t answer that one. These two also talked about God and Black Holes and other bizarre but creative thoughts that were very positive. It gave me hope that the future will produce kids who actually think about the ?bigger picture? of life.

Taking time to play card games, make fuse beads ? which they did lots of: The 6 year old made pumpkins in every color you can think of, and the 13 year old made the flags of at least 16 different international countries (great education for us all).

The one thing I asked them to do all week was to put on a talent show on the last night and they did a smashing job. The 4 year old, who has had major heart surgeries, danced like Michael Jackson for us ? we laughed so much and enjoyed each other that special night.

We all made life long memories that week and ended the week with a hike in beautiful Lassen National Park. I also hope that I was able to share some of my wisdom which will impact their lives. This is ?legacy? building like no other.

If you have an opportunity ? share time and wisdom with the little people in your life ? they are the future for us all and the spark that keeps our lives aglow!

Source: http://eldercareanswers.com/2012/08/grandchildren-the-crown-of-old-age-or-the-spark-for-longer-life/

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