Hurricane Charlie

I just spent 28 hours with my soon-to-be 11 year old grandson, Charlie. It was both a delightful and a stressful experience.

It was a delight because Charlie is creative, intelligent, curious, and enthusiastic. He makes me laugh out loud (even if I try not to). He amazes me with sudden insights. We both like animated and action films. And, he truly appreciates my time and attention. He told me (during the 28-hour period) that I was like a friend. This pleased me, greatly.

It was stressful not because I am distressed by his presence but rather because he is like a hurricane. He blows into my space (energetic, emotional, and physical) and stirs up the sedentary dust of my solitary life, commands my attention like headlights do a deer's, and his interest shifts directions more often than a ping-pong ball. Oh, and he's always hungry.

Being present, aware, and engaged with Charlie is important to me. My own grandmother was a huge influence on me and I treasure the time we spent together. It was far less than the time I spend with Charlie (grandma lived out of state) but what it lacked in quantity, our time together made up for in quality. Grandma was my center. I knew I existed as an individual because Grandma related to me as one; she affirmed me. Grandma died in 2000 and I miss her very much. I find I return to memories of her when I am low or life seems hard. And, I smile often when I remember her wit, humor, compassion, and understanding.

So, when Hurricane Charlie, blows into my space. I revel in the disturbance as a chance to be for him what my grandmother was for me.