This weekend our grandson had a very big adventure flying down from Wellington to stay in Christchurch with us for Easter weekend. He was an ‘unaccompanied minor’ and was looked after by air crew. We were waiting for him at the airport and were greeted by a very happy young boy with a hug and lots of chatter about his experience. His parents had very aptly given him a sweatshirt to wear which had ‘Brave’ in big letters. At six years of age, it is a brave thing to do. He admitted that he was a bit scared on takeoff and landing, so I might ask if someone can sit with him during those times and maybe hold his hand.
This weekend was a lovely way for us to get to know him better. It’s hard when you live far away from each other and flying is so expensive. He has been a joy to have around and has had us laughing most of the time. There was only one time I had to put on the ‘Grumpy Nanna voice’ and that was when he was mucking about getting ready to go out.
We have had a busy few days, going to Ferrymead where they have tram rides and several older houses set up with furniture and general decor fitting for the period. There was going to be lots of Easter activities on the Sunday, but we had decided to go on the Saturday when it was quieter. At first I was a bit disappointed that nothing much was happening at Ferrymead on the Saturday. But, my husband put it all in perspective when we were watching our grandson climbing and running around with a big smile on his face the whole time. As he said, he was perfectly happy and never once complained there wasn’t much to do. He was having a great time and appeared happy to just be with us and share the day. He didn’t need face painting, or pony rides or other activities. What he needed we had in abundance – to be with two people he loves and who love him dearly – nothing else mattered. That’s the way it should be. We have also been to the movies and an animal park. This morning we found that the Easter Bunny had been at work and there were Easter Eggs hidden around the garden for him to find!
I think sometimes we forget the simple pleasures in this world of so much excess. Always having to buy the next gadget that has become the ‘must have’ or having to constantly spend money to feel we have something that matters. Sure, we spent more than a few dollars taking him places, but we also put in some time making a nice picnic for the two days we were out and about and just being together and seeing him so happy was worth more than anything money could buy.
Oscar is the oldest of three boys and from what we have seen, he is a great big brother. It was nice to give him our undivided attention and strengthen our bond. He really was an easy boy to have around. I will admit that after going to Willowbank to see all the animals, then have a picnic and coming home, I was rather shattered. So, I think were my husband and grandson.
We had talked about doing some baking, but he was tired after our outing and so were we. He was watching ‘Shaun the Sheep’ and I said, ‘Do you want to bake or watch Shaun the Sheep?’ to which he replied ‘watch Shaun the Sheep!’ So, I stopped what I was doing and we just sat and watched Shaun the Sheep together. Sure he was glued to the screen for a while, but we have been so active over the last few days, that blobbing in front of the TV was just the thing to do.
This to me is what being a grandparent is all about. We none of us know how much time we have ahead of us. We don’t necessarily know how much we will get to see our grandchildren. What matters is that we make the time to be with them and really engage with them when we do. While we have watched some TV, most of our time together has been out and about and in the fresh air.
As we head towards the ‘golden years’, it is good to celebrate the things we can do with our kids and grandkids. Walks on the beach. Picnics in the park, or basically anywhere. Going for walks. Maybe riding bikes. Many things that don’t really cost money. As I have often said, when I look back to when my Nanna used to fly up from Christchurch to stay with us in Rotorua, I can’t remember any presents that she may have brought us. What I can remember is fossicking in rockpools and finding shells with her. Going fishing and then watching Nanna fillet the fish. These are the things you remember. The time spent. Exploring our worlds together. The memories you create together will last a lifetime.
I admit we were both a bit nervous about having our grandson without his brothers and Mum and Dad. I think my husband was more nervous than me, but he was very pleasantly surprised how easily he just went with the flow and was very relaxed. No homesickness, nothing that might indicate he wasn’t feeling comfortable. Far from it, he quickly made himself at home. That’s what I want all my grandies to do. To feel at home in our home and know that there will always be a place for them here.
So, our time with him has been lovely and he has been lovely to have around. A very successful experiment, sussing out how he would be without his parents and younger brothers.
He passed with flying colours and we are very proud of him. I would certainly do it again. Just another way we make the most of the people that we love and spend time with them while we can.
Family is everything.
My journey with Parkinsons 