Martha Orlando, a close blogger friend of mine who I’ve developed a friendship with over the past year or so wrote a column last Tuesday (June 26) called Blue Skies Smiling At Me. It set me on a road down the so called Memory Lane. I commented about a game my maternal grandfather and I. Used to play after dinner in the summer. The game was Airplane.
When darkness fell I would go outside in the backyard of my grandparent’s house and lay back on a chaise lounge with my grandfather and we’d both look up at the sky. The first one to spot the tell tale lights would shout out:
Airplane!
Spending so many of my formative years with my maternal grandparents was a huge blessing for me as my SINGLE BEST friend during my childhood right through high school lived just around the corner. It’s one of the blessings I’ve always encountered with my friends. The three or four best friends I’ve had during the three or four stages in my life have been within a doable distance for me.
I know. I know. You’re saying, well isn’t that to be expected? If someone is your best friend, doesn’t it stand to reason that you’d be close by each other. Maybe. But it doesn’t have to be that way. I’ve always been fortunate to have my best friends nearby.
Back on course:
Another blessing of spending so much time with my grandparents is that my grandfather gave me so many tangible and intangible gifts growing up.
–He taught me to fish. There was a pond just down the street from their house and I’d literally spend all day there casting my line. Some mornings I’d wake up grab breakfast and skip on down to the pond and stay there until night fall
–My grandfather introduced me to the world of photography. Now every time I take a picture I smile inside and say an unconscious prayer thanking him for that glorious gift. Everyone should be so fortunate to have such a childhood.
What are some of your blessings and memories of your youth?
Do you have any?
If not, search your soul, I’m sure you can find one. If you find one, you’ll be sure to discover others.
Be Happy! Be Well! Be Positive!
Blessings to you.
—
Chris
