Okay, if someone offered me a million dollars, I wouldn't turn it down. But some things are much more valuable than just money.
Last weekend we trekked to South Georgia for Grandparents Day at second grader Libby's school. This is her third time we have attended this event. This event allows schools to open their doors to grandparents (and other supporters) to see what's going on in their grandchildren's educational lives.
The morning started with breakfast for guests in the school auditorium. Visitors sat at tables and enjoyed light snacks such as breakfast casseroles, fruit, and mini cinnamon rolls. As we empty our plates, upperclassmen come to collect the trash and refill our drinks.
The head of the lower school (grades 3K-4) then welcomed us to the school and gave a brief talk about what the students had been learning and the places they had visited. We then split up into quads to look for our grandson's classes.
Teachers from each grade gathered kindergarteners and first graders right outside the door, while other classes were spread out around the perimeter. I scanned the area for her sophomore year and caught a glimpse of Livy, so I headed in her direction. Before I could see her, Livy noticed us from about 40 yards away. She slipped out of class and sprinted towards us with her arms outstretched and her big smile on her face.
A near tackle and a big hug followed. Over $1 million? Nothing compares to the joy grandparents feel when they come to see their grandchildren.
We visited classrooms, met teachers, participated in interviews by Livy, and then went to a book fair. There, the second graders had already decided on the books they wanted and where they would go. Isn't it amazing that the annual book fair happens to coincide with Grandparents' Day? My wife, a former elementary school teacher and school librarian, never disowns her grandchildren when books are involved.
We took Libby back to the classroom (the teacher told us in no uncertain terms to bring her to class by 10:15 at the latest) and the lower grade program presentation. I made preparations. Mary Lou and I then went to the gymnasium building to secure seats for the music production.
Children delighted the audience by playing instruments, singing songs, and participating in dances. They ended the morning with an uplifting version of “We Are the World,” a fitting way to shift the world's focus from us old people to the next generation who will build this country.
But that wasn't the only thing that made the weekend a treasure for me.
The next day, after picking blueberries in the morning and shopping for ingredients for a Lowcountry boil, we returned to my daughter's house to find my great-grandson and his parents.
Rosie is almost 2 years old and gets to know us through our visits and occasional FaceTime calls. When I entered the living room, my toddler came up to me, raised her arms and hugged my lap. I've been careful not to invade her personal space, so her Rosie-inspired hug meant a lot.
About an hour later, while Livi and I were outside watering the newly planted shrubs, Rosie waddled into the backyard to check on us. This time she reached out her hand and grabbed his outstretched index finger, squeezing it tightly.
Can we exchange those experiences? Not a million dollars.
