Hugs, the Real Kind

Our two year old grandson stayed with us for a week. Before he arrived, I expected that the week would be hectic and exhausting. And it was, but not in the same hectic and exhausting way that just dealing with work and a busy lifestyle is. It was hectic and exhausting filled with stress relieving cuddles and hugs.

Two year olds don't love unconditionally. At least my grandson doesn't. I have noticed that his genuine hugs (the ones kids give freely without being told to by their parents) are only for those to whom he feels an attachment. I love that kind of hug. His little arms clasp around my neck and he lays his head on my shoulder, his entire body relaxes into me, and we meld for a moment. Exhaustion and stress disintegrate.

Not that I'm against teaching kids to be affectionate, but why do some parents make their kids hug and kiss every relative? I always feel sorry for the kid and try to duck out during good-byes to avoid the demonstrative ritual that demonstrates nothing but an obligation. Do I think the kid likes me because his or her parent made them prove it? No. Do those parents think my kids like them less because my kids don't pass out hugs and kisses like sticks of gum? I don't care.

I want my kids to know what a real hug is. What real affection is. No one taught my grandson how to give real hugs, he just knows. And he knows when to give them. This he learned by just being loved.

Mr. Fox Stares at Goats

I recently watched "Men Who Stare at Goats" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox". George Clooney did two seemlying opposite movies but manage to pull off being exactly the same character. And I still liked him in both movies. Go figure.

"Iloveyougrandma"

My grandson has been staying with us this week. Wow. He is super super kid, but where did I ever find the energy to raise my own kids? It's a good thing two year olds are so darn cute and lovable! He says, "Iloveyougrandma," like it's one word, and I'm ready to go play again.

The fact that he is fun to have around is probably the best proof that his parents are doing a wonderful job raising him. He's happy and content most of the time. When he's not, it's easily remedied by a meal or a nap. He got it from his grandmother. I get crabby, too, when I'm hungry or tired.

Pictures vs Pics

Sunday, 29 November 2009

While speaking to a group of high school students recently, I told them that I used to work in a photo lab that developed pictures for all the Kmart stores in Genesee County before digital cameras. I told them our lab developed thousands of pictures per day. The response was a collective "aw" which I understood to mean that they were impressed by the shear number of pictures.

Over coffee this morning, I realized that they were probably amazed at how young I looked for my age. They probably don't remember the time before digital cameras and therefore were sure that I was at least 90 years old.

Now I'm thinking, great! I looked half my age.