How Can You Compete With That?

Sometimes you just don't stand a chance. But it's all good.

The first grandchild sat on the counter amidst a mass of tools, pieces, and packaging. There would be no moving him until the thing was finished.

The boy and his parents had just arrived from Hawaii, and would be staying for a time. I'm telling it truly, the moment he walked into the house he saw the large carton and wanted whatever was in it to come out of it.

The guys opened the carton to reveal the SconeLady's Christmas present: a delectable pot rack! The SconeLady loves pot racks and had always wanted one. She got one. But try as she might to lure the boy away from that carton to read a book, or draw a picture, or sing a song, it would not do. Nothing budged the boy.

For him, tools and parts had the irresistible effect of a magnet, and he wished to fiddle. He did not want to simply watch, he wanted to do. So his grandpa and his father let him. As a focussed trio, they got the thing together, attached it to the ceiling, and the pots were finally hung.

It was all very satisfying for an 18 month old. He had such good questions to ask them as they/he worked. He wanted to know what everything was, and could he please turn the screw driver? Bless the men, they took time and put it into his hands, turning it with him. There was never an impatient word or gesture, or a feeling of 'We can do it faster ourselves'. No, they were the jolliest of coaches who laughed a lot and conveyed what fun it all was.

This opening episode of staying with us for that time was a turning point. From then on, it was all about 'helping' grandpa. But I didn't mind. I had a feeling a little girl might make an appearance, at which time I could be one of her Ultimate Princess Grandmothers, with fluffy pink dresses, high heeled shoes, and wands and crowns galore. Oh yes, my time would come.

And really - who's competing anyway? (I ask you.)


See you along the way!
the SconeLady