Christmas approached like a runaway train and, with it, the year-end.  A look back at what it was like this time last year: the joy of the season was tempered by the impending departure of oldest grandchild Graham, Jr., now 13, for his second bone-lengthening operation shortly after the New Year.  Graham and mother Paulette left for the operation in West Palm Beach on December 27th and would not return home until mid-May.  The operations have been a great success, adding 6 inches to his height.  After a grueling rehab in Florida and learning how to walk again, we were thrilled with his grit and determination on his return home.  His hard work paid off.  On December 5th he participated in a 5K marathon, part of a fundraiser, in West Palm Beach for The Paley Foundation, founded by Graham’s surgeon, Dr. Dror Paley.  Graham and a girl his age who underwent the same operation walked the course and received medals and a lot of attention from the other competitors.  Never once has he complained about the odyssey or any aspect of the procedures.  He has also maintained his Honor Roll ranking while raking in a small fortune feeding and walking neighborhood dogs in their owners’ absence, and he is active in Boy Scouts and was confirmed in early January.

I was finishing up these observations and getting ready to post this update on my blog when I looked out the window by my desk overlooking the cul-du-sac at the head of our driveway.  STOP THE PRESSES!!!

To my astonishment (and more than a dash of apprehension), there before me were the other three grandchildren, Bradley, 11; Tory, 9; and Duncan, 8, playing their own version of lacrosse.  With Duncan manning the regulation-size lacrosse goal they had just placed on the circular roadway, Bradley and Tory were passing the ball back and forth on skateboards, taking turns firing at Duncan.  DO NOT TRY THIS!  My heart was in my mouth as I watched.  They continued for what seemed an eternity, taking turns in the goal.  I kept waiting for the inevitable as they jumped on and off the boards, sped toward the net and fired.  Finally, they tired.  Game!  Set!  Match!  God was with them.  No skinned elbows or knees!

Just as I breathed a sigh of relief, ACT II began to unfold.  Graham had been sitting on a bench at the head of their driveway watching the action and waiting for the carnage that never occurred.  Bradley and Tory came in looking for Grandma and the cookie jar.  I looked out again to see Duncan talking with Graham and handing him his skateboard.  OH NO!  I’m getting too old for this!  Graham put his left foot on the board, took a few quick steps with the right, placed it on the board and was off for a short spin, Duncan all the while instructing and cheering him on.  Several more rides, each one longer, and it was their turn to raid the cookie jar.  Hot cocoa all around!

What a difference a year makes!  I thought that being a parent was tough!

Me, all I could think of was a good stiff Scotch to calm my nerves.  No such luck… there was none in the house, plus which it was only 10:45am.

This past weekend was again grandchild-driven, but without the potential for disaster, a grandparents’ dream.  James Folts, retired Episcopal Bishop of West Texas, father of our rector, confirmed Graham, Jr. at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Essex, CT.  Friday evening we watched Tory play her first basketball game.  Her team won 20-10.  She scored 14 points and had one assist.  Saturday, Duncan’s team won 16-8.  He assisted on all eight baskets.  Bradley’s team also won; he scored one basket, had 4 assists and pulled down a number of rebounds.  Three more games on tap this weekend.  Lots of football to watch and hockey will be back soon.  What more could anyone ask for.  Daughter Jenny is on her way here for lunch.  All is well in Essex!!  Please write and let me know how 2013 is treating you and your family!

George