Stephen Metcalfe

Want to gain a little positive perspective? Spend some time with my fourteenth month old granddaughter. Seeing things through her innocent eyes can certainly change your view of the world. She’s been with us quite a bit again lately. The last time we were caretaking regularly, she was crawling, trying to stand. Now when she comes over, she’s a scampering whirling dervish, racing from room to room in the house, trying to open all the doors, cabinets and drawers that obviously hide magical things. What magical things? That’s what she desperately wants to find out, probably so she can name them. Not the right names of course but wonderful names, none the less. A spoon, for example, is a braggooda. A tennis sock is a poobadabon! The crystal glasses and china cups– uh, no, sweetheart, we’re not going to open that cabinet, in fact, we’re going to lock that cabinet up. Which is frustrating to a little one but oh, well, there are still couches to climb on, framed photographs to point at, books to pull off bookshelves, toys, toys and more toys to throw, toss, drop and play with, toys she wants you to throw, toss, drop and play with as well. Alone time? What’s that? Why would anyone want to be alone when you have doting if elderly companions available.

Done in the house, are we? Let’s go outside and explore the garden. There are trees to lean on, flower petals to pluck and taste, plants to pull on, baby lemons to pick up off the ground and throw to the doggie who is following you everywhere. How fast can you go, little one? Fast enough to fall on your bottom, I bet. Ka-boomph. Time to wail. Wahhhhh! No problem, little one, your grandmother’s loving arms are waiting.

And now, it’s time to go for a stroller ride. Ah, yes, sitting back, canopy providing perfect shade, as you giggle and coo at the world passing by. Give a shout and there’s Granma Bear or Grumpy-pa, bending down to make sure all is right. And it is. Peaceful. Secure. Maybe she’ll even take a short quiet nap now. If not, she’ll be heading back to the house soon for some crushed banana and creamy peanut butter. And then – !

It will all start over again. The racing from room to room, the naming things anew, the plucking of colorful flower petals in the garden and offering them. They’re gifts, you know.

It’s all about enjoying the moment, which is a gift as well, isn’t it. Yes. Thank you for the lesson, little one. Thank you.

This is life.