A friend and colleague of mine had recently shared with me one of his many fond memories with his grandchildren. As he began to describe a particular day at the park with his grandson, he proudly pointed to a 5×7 photo that was prominently displayed in his office. His demeanor completely shifted to a blissful state as he began to reminisce over the events of that day. As a father, I was able to relate to his feelings and sentiments towards his grandson only as a father would towards his own son in a similar situation, but the truth is, I could only imagine what he might have been feeling towards his grandson.
At that moment, I recalled an incident that transpired many years’ back, during my early teen years over a conversation with my father regarding fatherhood and the love a parent has for their children. While, I do not recall the entire conversation, I do vividly remember his reaction when I had stated to him, “I love you the same way you love me”. He quickly explained that a parent’s affection for their children is unique and could only be understood when I would one day have a family of my own.
Well, suffice to say a few months after my first child was born, I finally realized what my father had meant years before. The subsequent bond that had developed between my son and I gave birth to a slew of feelings that had never existed before his arrival. A time shortly thereafter, I confronted my father and reminded him of our discussion regarding a father’s feelings for his children. Surprisingly, a funny thing happened next, as he held my son (his grandson) in his arms, he leaned over and kissed him, then looked me straight in the eyes and said with a smile, “there is still one more pleasure in life which you have not yet experienced. One greater than my love for you, one greater than your love for your children… It’s our grandchildren”.
He went on to explain that “we as human beings are separated from everything else in the food chain of life by virtue of our higher intellect, but more importantly, we are also the only species on this planet that forge a unique bond with our grandchildren”.
The picture that my colleague shared with me had ignited distant memories that produced an amplified realization of the greater things hopefully still to come in my life. As I stood there watching and listening to my friend tell his story, I could not help but notice the myriad of expressions on his face that revealed a strong sense of admiration and pride for his grandson, one far greater than a father’s toward his son.
For now, I can only share my experiences with those around me through the eyes of a father who clearly understands the value of waiting patiently for the day his grandchildren finally arrive.
It is on that day, I am certain that my father’s words will be remembered anew.
