Really great kids

I’m allowed to brag about grandchildren.

I have, in the past, written about four of my grandchildren, Josh, Stephanie, Jake and Aidan. These are all individuals in their own rights and all are very unusual, each smarter than the next older sibling and, Josh, after graduating high school in Sarasota, Florida, is adapting well at the University of Florida. Joshua gave us a great compliment last week; he drove to our home just to visit! He also bowled a perfect “300” on our Wii game, but that’s another story.

Another pair of grandchildren, Adam and Aaron, lives nearby. I haven’t really bragged about those young men, although each us certainly due the spotlight.

Adam will be 17 in a few months and a junior at a Brandon, Florida, senior high school. His school, Bloomingdale, has a reputation of having a terrific marching band, lovely and athletic cheerleaders and a football team that doesn’t win very often. (This year seems to the exception that proves the Rule.) Adam is a part of that band but so much more; he plans on a music career and when he plays his clarinet, it makes one smile or weep or be happy, all depending on the tones he elicits from the instrument. Adam has been invited to play with orchestras throughout the area and my one complaint is that he prefers Mozart to Artie Shaw.

The younger sibling, Aaron, will be 13 in January and studying for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah. Aaron is also a musician, albeit of the percussion persuasion! Several years ago, Aaron’s parents bought him a set of drums which allowed him to make a whole lot of noise. (Aaron is a mighty fine athlete, too. His early soccer games consisted of many little people kicking a ball in all directions, falling down and having the game stopped so that a player could receive a parental hug. He now is a treat to watch on the field, determined, focused and graceful.)
In any event, years ago, Aaron banged on his drums, creating a racket that could be heard throughout the neighborhood. About a month ago, I listened to the music coming from the drums, and it was tonal and musical. In addition to the drums, as a “percussionist”, Aaron is becoming extremely proficient on the xylophone.

Most important, they are great kids, we love them dearly and they make it a pleasure to be a grandparent.

72 and counting

Today is my birthday! It is common, I assume, to give some thoughts on such occasions to one's mortality. I understand that the mortality rate for all of us is 100% and that is, therefore, unlikely I will escape that fate.

I look back on my life and wish I could do things over. I really screwed up a lot of things and missed a bunch of stuff, too. I have really no memorizes of growing up; except for a few episodes, all is a blank. It wasn't until I was in my 50's that I went through some therapy and became straitened out.

If I could do it over, I would have spent a lot more time with my fantastic children. I would have enjoyed fatherhood in all its aspects. I would have gotten to know my sister much better; we were not together when I was growing up but there were opportunities that were, I'm sure, missed.

I would have much more fun in high school and college, not be so afraid of girls as strange creatures.

I cannot relive the past, so what to do?

I resolve to spend the next years of my life being with and getting to know children and grandchildren and, indeed, wife. I will tell them all how much they are loved. I will tell them that they are the reason for living and I can't wait to see how it all comes out.