My Treasures Hunt Treasures

As a child, I never realized that my grandparents weren't the hands-on-type. But, when we became grandparents, we knew we wanted "up close and personal" relationships with our grands. From the get-go, we set out to be doting, over-the-top-in-love in words and deeds. Before our first grandson was born, I had a hope chest of toys, puzzles and books. I still have the Nintendo 64 and the cartridges, plus the Lincoln Logs and Legos. My grands know they'll still find those "treasures" at Nana's house – and hopefully, when great-grands come along, they will play with them, too! If grandparenting isn't a part of your world yet, it may be in your future. My best advice is to get intimately involved in their lives. While moms and dads are the greatest influencers, coming in a close second, are grandparents. We always wanted our grands to know that we pray for them, stand ready to be there for them, and to support them as best we can. I'm not dishing out a guilt trip to anyone that doesn't have that "bent", but I assure you, there is nothing to compare with that precious love. There is nothing sweeter than to hear "Nana, I love you so much!" My blog today is inspired by Tuesday’s big day for Bryson, our youngest. The plan was to surprise him. He didn't know I was coming to Austin. His dad and I cleverly hid my car in his garage and then the two of us headed to the first birthday spot with balloons. The rest of the family and Bryson would show up a few minutes later. When they arrived and Bryson saw me, he came running. Yay! I surprised him – or so I thought. Later, back at home, Bryson confessed. “Nana, I knew you were here. When I came home from school, I could smell your perfume and I also saw your keys.” Oh, me! Best laid plans – but he was still surprised I came after having been there just a week ago. At Shake Shack (after his first requested birthday spot -- the Gun Range – where all nine of us participated), Bryson opened his gifts from his brothers and a surprise card was there too. That surprise card said: "Bryson James, it’s your BIG 14 and you’re not done with fun! Let’s have a Treasure Hunt, until you’re done! Go to the Fitness Room -- Look HIGH, Look LOW There might be something that you can Eat It might be a REAL TREAT! So, later at home. his treasure hunt was underway. (I hid all the clues before he got home from school.) Little did I realize how cold AND dark it would be at 10:45 pm at night. Fortunately, another clue read: YOU LIGHT UP OUR LIFE! You’re almost there. You’re getting HOT! Go to the Fire Pit – You’ll find the spot! (A new multi-purpose flashlight awaited him there.) I share these special, memory-making times with you today to encourage you to make moments count, make memories, make time for telling and showing our sweet ones how special they are to us (we did that around the table at Shake Shack). Live without the words: “I wish I had”! NOW -- go out there and make a difference in your grandchildren's (and even other children) world. Be silly and energetic and bring wonder to their eyes and hearts with your love that makes them feel so happy you're in their lives. I promise you -- as the years go by, you'll be so glad you did!