We Are A Grandfather

[poliphilo]

Now we can relax- a bit.

I woke this morning and the tension was leaving my system by way of my neck and shoulder muscles. A couple of cups of tea and a nice hot shower should clear it out completely.

I have a new identity. I'm a grandfather. Which of Shakespeare's seven ages does this correspond to? Not quite the lean and slippered pantaloon, I think- not yet- but, actually, here I sit in my dressing gown and slippers and... 

My own grandfather, Cyril Henry, was about my age (early 60s) when he became a grandfather. I only ever had the one grandfather (the other died in his 40s long before I was born) so he's my role model. He was a working-class lad who made a lot of money and liked to large it a bit. He had a taste for Bentleys and ormolu. He also loved books. He used to slip me half crowns (we called them "rich bits") and books with titles like The Myths of Greece and Rome.  I can't see myself handing out coin of the realm but I would like to give books. Mind you, Ivy's mother's a writer so she's going to have books anyway. 

I was my grandfather's first grandchild as Ivy is mine. This new status reminds how me I'm the oldest male in my immediate family- the patriarch. Now I've got the title to go with it: "Grandpa Grist".  My grandfather did it honour and my father after him. Now it's down to me...

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Lovely! You'll do her proud and be your own sort of grandfather. I'm so pleased for you.
love Jenny x

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

It's a weighty responsibility.

[michaleen.livejournal.com]

Congratulations, grandpa! It actually seems like you've been practicing for a while, now.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Well, yes, that's true.

[steepholm.livejournal.com]

Bear it well, Grandpa Grist!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[trixibelle-net.livejournal.com]

How lovely!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thanks

[suemars.livejournal.com]

i became a grandma, nana, at 38, my sixteenth is due in january. my 3rd great grand is due any minute and the 4th great is due in jan. what a large bunch of breeders in my family.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Gosh, you were just a kid!

I think I'd struggle to keep tabs on such a huge family.

[ideealisme.livejournal.com]

Congratulations!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thanks

[veronica-milvus.livejournal.com]

I'm never sure that "congratulations" is the right word in these circumstances, as the grandparents have not been directly involved in the process of becoming grandparents, however - I am really pleased for you both at your venerable status, and I wish you lots of love and lots of fun with baby Ivy.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

I think one feels more a link in the hereditary chain at becoming a grandparent than at becoming a parent. At least, that's how it was for me: the offspring have survived and now they're breeding so mission accomplished....

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I agree. As a young parent you're too focused on the present moment to think philosophically.

[internet-sampo.livejournal.com]

Congratulations!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[daisytells.livejournal.com]

Lucky lucky Ivy to have you as her grandfather. I like your new (and hereditary)title. "Grandpa Grist" -- it just fits. You'll be good at it, too!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

I mean to try.

[zoe-1418.livejournal.com]

Awww, I love it! Grandpa Grist.