Multi-Generational Germs

They resembled tiny birds opening their beaks for mama bird to stuff them full of worms. Except they were my grandchildren and not birds, and I fed them honey flavored yogurt, not bird food.

Their cherub faces tilted toward their Nana. “Okay, three bites. One for Silas, one for Everly, and one for Nana.”

I used the same spoon for all three. My reasoning consisted of the idea that my angelic-faced grandchildren carrying germs was preposterous.

It wasn’t.

The flu-like-cold-like-I-want-to-go-to-bed-like-illness hit a few days later. On my 62nd birthday. In a fancy hotel room gifted from my children to celebrate this auspicious occasion.

I didn’t care about anything except cold medicine, cough drops, and a comfy bed.

So even though my husband and I now live with our grandchildren, and even if they have angelic-like faces and ask for a snack, I should definitely use my own spoon.

I am learning other stuff, too. In fact, doing life is a permanent life-long learning process. I’m glad.

Take today, for instance. We gathered around a roundish-modern table that seems to grow in circumference as each person joined. Today, it consisted of Tom, Sarah, Everly, Silas, a good friend of the family, and moi.

Silas began the conversation. “I hate when I lose all my tickets and have to go to my room for the day! Why do you do that?”

“I’m not trying to be mean, Silas. I discipline because I love you,” my daughter responds as my ears perk up. “If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t take the time to train you.” She continued. “God trains us to be more like Him. To be a better friend, family member, and caring person in our world.”

“Does God train you?” he asked.

“Yes, son. He is patient but he is firm. The Bible says “He disciplines those He loves.”

This seemed to satisfy his little brain and heart.

We moved into the playroom. Sarah laid on the floor with her 6-month-pregnant belly. “Silas, can you feel your little sister moving? You will be able to meet her soon.”

Silas leans over his mama’s belly and waits. Then Everly hops over to hug on her mama. Pretty soon it is a hug fest.

And I watch. And I learn. I’m sharing memories, just not a spoon.