Investing in the new generation…
HOW DO YOU MAKE A CANTANKEROUS, OLD, RUSTY, HARDENED, SEEN-IT-ALL GROWN MAN CRY?
The answer is captured in a single word … grandchildren.
This summer, I held a 5-week video school for my grandkids. Last year it was astronomy. They learned about the hidden 9th planet. This year, they learned about video props and gadgets, communicating through visuals, voice inflection, and body language. At least twice, they brought me to tears (June 4th and June 14th). I wrote down the dates.
If you’re a grandparent, you’re aware of the special, inexplicable bond you have with your grandchildren. It’s a fierce, all-encompassing love you can’t explain. You love your children. But you worship your grandchildren. I think it has something to do with their innocence and your spiritual journey and humanitarian transformation over time. I really can’t say for sure.
Anyway, today I will share my June 4th experience and then the June 14th experience tomorrow. [Sorry, Linkedin limits words so you can go to my website for the entire story. (https://over50enterprises.com/how-to-make-a-grown-man-cry/ )No, I’m not advertising. Just trying to find a place where everyone can go without being a member.]
My oldest grandbaby came into my office and said, “Papa, (It used to be Paw-Paw) can I tell you something?”
“Sure, baby, you can talk to Papa about anything.”
“I’m getting kind of nervous about our video school. Do you really think we can be movie stars?”
I swallowed hard and fought back the tears. I said, “it’s good you’re nervous. It means you really care about your part. AND you’re going to put all you have into it and do a good job.”
She seemed relieved. “Me and Sissy will do our best.”
When she left the room, I broke down. What she was really asking for what’s a vote of confidence. Do you really believe we can do this? Do you really believe in me?
I cried mostly for her innocence, and willingness to fight back her fears to try. But deep inside, I cried for the many children who had gone through life, never hearing their parents encourage them or reassure them or break the invisible shackle of fear and uncertainty that restricted their promising young minds. These innocent souls had their dreams stolen early in life by the people they trusted, the people that brought them into the world. Parents, themselves, beat down, and trying to protect their children from the scourge and hopelessness of their skin color, reminded them of what they COULDN’T be, what they COULDN’T do. Rather than investing hope and new possibilities in the new generation, they relegated them to the impossibilities of the old generation. History was going to repeat itself, and that was that.
Next Sunday, a week from now, my grandkids will release their first in three video mini-movies. They gave their all. They acted their little hearts out. And if I don’t stop here, I’ll start to cry all over again.
Make sure you follow me on Facebook or Linkedin or somewhere to get the link next Sunday. We must pour into the new generation the hope and reassurance that many in the old generation never had.
- Leander Jackie Grogan –