Elder Maze: Nothing like children to brighten the day

Dear Katie, Claire and Andy,

Nearly ten years ago, just after Katie was born, I began to write special “Grampa letters” to her. Then when Claire and Andy were born, they became part of these letters. I write about some of the things you do that remind me of values or relationships that I believe are important for you to learn about.

From time to time, I also write about older people – elders – who are wonderful examples to the rest of us because they live every day with a special zest for life, with gratitude and hope. I call them Lights in the Maze.

A maze can be a dark place with twists and dead-ends. Lights in the maze help us see those twists and dead-ends. Some elders help us see better in the maze.

But older adults also need to follow children – like you three – to help us see more than a dark or dim future ahead of us.

Like two weeks when I met Claire, Andy, and your mommy for lunch at Riverfront Park. Katie, you were still in Mexico visiting your Mexican grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. I missed you, but I knew you were safe and happy.

The four of us met by the carousel. We ate hot dogs while you, Claire and Andy, delighted me with your stories about what you did that morning. Every thing you do is a new adventure, even if you did the same thing just yesterday.

That’s a great thing for me to remember as an elder.

Then we decided to ride the beautiful, old carousel. I can’t remember the last time I rode on a carousel. The rings were too far away for you kids to grab, so I grabbed three and we threw them into the Harry Potter ring-bin together. Your joy at the carousel was so contagious. Thank you.

Claire, while your mommy got you and Andy some snow-cones, you and I waited on the cement ledge that surrounded some beautiful flowers. You cuddled in under my arm, looked up at me and said “Grampa, I love you.” What a treat it is for me to hear those words from you, from Katie and from Andy.

As you both ate your snow-cones on a park bench near the exciting water fountain, we watched a man watering the hanging flower baskets nearby. He put so much water in each basket that water dripped from the baskets onto the asphalt.

That water began to slowly trickle down toward the grass. Andy, you were so focused on watching the little rivers flow side-by-side, then together. I could only imagine what great adventures were filling your mind as the water moved past our feet and into the grass.

Then both of you coaxed your mommy to let you run into the water fountain. You love the water so much. We laughed at how much the water spouts made you grin, giggle and laugh. I had such a wonder-filled time in the park with you! Thank you.

Please do me two big favors, Katie, Claire and Andy. First, as you get older, never completely “grow up.” You may have to work hard some days to find great joy in the smallest things you do, but the work is worth it.

You three will always be lights for Grandma and me. You help us see the hope and wonder of life through your eyes and your imaginations.

So here’s the second favor: Please be willing to let other elders you meet see that same hope and wonder. You can be lights in the maze for older people, just by being your selves.

You have such great light inside of you that elders will be inspired by it. Let them see your light!

Love, Grampa Graves.