Babysitting Grandpa

I remember how I loved babysitting our grandchildren how neatly they fit into my arms. I remember being impressed with their intelligence and captivated by their charms. How they would spend the night with us…how we’d make sure that they were fed how we’d play some games, watch a movie then send them off to bed. How in the morning we’d make pancakes…in any size or shape requested and smile as our handiwork was so easily digested. But grandchildren grow up…a fact no grandparent can ignore and there comes a time when grandchildren don’t need babysitting any more. So the other night when Deborah had some friends over I thought it would be sweet to make a date by taking Ali and two of our grandchildren out to eat. I saw this as a way to spend some time with them but Ava had a different point of view She said, “Remember when you use to babysit us, PopPop? Now we’re babysitting you!” And I had to laugh but it made me wonder when she repeated it again What’s the difference between them now babysitting me and when I was babysitting them? The main difference of course is we’re all older and they no longer fit into my arms but I am still impressed with their intelligence and captivated by their charms. Their world has expanded outward…their life is more complex our conversations are more adult now..though sometimes their mom objects. Despite the fact we’re older we still visit with the same joy and laughter and vigor… although now when we play UNO…the cards seem so much bigger! They no longer spend the night…and after dinner when I was sure they had been fed since they now stay up much later than me…I drove home and headed off to bed. Hoping our grandchildren remember when we babysat… hoping those days are etched deep in each one’s memory. hoping they remember the last time I babysat them with as much joy as I’ll remember the first time they babysat me.