Passing the Torch

To those who would say there is nothing more satisfying than a job well done, I’d have to reply that there definitely is – a job well done by one of your children. During what is turning out to be a working vacation, we’ve had the opportunity, as with previous “vacations”, to work with our children on projects around their houses. From painting to installing flood lights to hanging curtains, we’ve been an extra pair of hands or eyes or just a sympathetic listener at times. At first, it’s nice to be the “expert” and to be listened to with great respect and awe but at this point I much prefer to be the assistant, the scrub nurse to the surgeon. After all, we can’t be around for all the kids’ home improvement projects and, while we might be only a phone call away, it is still good to see that they have the skills and experience to do the job on their own. It’s even better when they start giving grandpa some sound advice and instruction – if he’ll listen.