Forming the Bond

This week is the rather inconvenient (at least to us) week that day care is closed as they transition from day camp format back to school. Having to take so much time for medical stuff has left me strapped time off wise, and so I searched for babysitters.

I am so lucky to have a family that loves this little guy so much. My dad (Monkey's Grampa) and his Auntie have had him for two days and Monkey's grandma (my mom) had him on her usual Thursday. My dad heard I was trying to find coverage, and immediately told me I didn't have to worry, he would watch the little guy.

It is amazing the effect a grandfather (or grandmother) has on a child. It happened with my Grampy and I and I can see it happening with my Dad. I have recieved pictures of the little guy with his Grampa on the ride on lawn mower, reading or watching TV and sharing a snack. Whenever he spots my Dad enter the house, he freaks out (in the best way possible) and runs for a hug. Then he drags his Grampa to play with something or points to the door, sure that they will be going on another adventure.

And he forgets all about his Mommy. Not a hug. Not a kiss. Just a waive and a "Bye".

That is not a bad thing, honestly, it makes me happy. I see my Dad around my son and it triggers flashbacks of how close I was with my Grampy. The unabashed joy they have at being together is a vision I treasure and will treasure always.

We recently took a trip to Maine with the Monkey's Nana, Monkey's Grampa, Monkey's Great Nana and Monkey's Great Beepa. I was looking through the photos the other day, and the joy on every one's face when around Monkey was visible. Even my Nana, who has Alzheimer's, enjoyed every second with him. But more importantly I have the memory of my Dad I will keep in my heart forever.

It was late afternoon on Saturday, and my dad had been working on something in the cellar with my great grandfather. We were playing outside when we heard the rumble of an engine. Up the drive came my dad on the four wheeler. My dad asked"Do you mind if I take him for a ride?" He seemed almost shocked when I told him, "Sure, go ahead but be careful." And off they went. Both Monkey and his Grandpa as happy as ever as they drove down the driveway and off into the fading day. When they drove back up the driveway, my son was squealing with delight, and my dad had a huge grin on his face. "MO!" screamed my son, signing please. My dad looked overjoyed, "do you mind if I take him again?" And they off they went, looking for deer. They returned and we had dinner. When we were done, my dad and Monkey went off on yet another ride looking for deer. They drove up the driveway on the way back to the house and I can see them both genuinely grinning. 

I hope he learns a lot from my Dad. He is a pretty incredible guy.

Someday, when I am much older, he will be ditching his Mommy and his Grampa to play with his friends, go on a date, leave for college. My hope for him is that his children have the bond with his grandparents that my son has with his. So lucky I tell you!