I recall holding my daughter when she was only moments old. The overwhelming feeling of love that I had not before experienced was more than the love I imagined having for my child. I was more prepared for it with my second child, but was surprised with a similar feeling when my granddaughter was born. Of course, children and grandchildren are not "little things in life," but there are little things each has said or done that surely makes me feel appreciated!

One of those occasions with my oldest daughter occurred on the way to day care. We were talking about famous people she liked. She had a major crush on Joey McIntyre, but also mentioned some other singers and actors who lived lives of dreams. To keep the conversation going, I asked her if she could be raised by anybody, who would she choose. She gave me a weird look, and said "you, of course." I do not recall what we talked about after I wiped the tears from my eyes.

My wife and I split up before our youngest daughter was three. The children lived with me, but had gone to visit their mother one weekend. I got a call from my youngest daughter telling me she did not feel well. I told her I felt badly for her, and asked her if there was anything Daddy could do for her. "Will you come get me," she asked? "I want to be sick at your house." It really meant she wanted to sit on my knee and get her back rubbed while she threw up, but it was truly appreciated - by both of us!

Those particular momentous occasions highlight decades of memories through which I appreciate my children. However, those moments, all the other moments, and even that moment of overwhelming love felt holding my children for the first time, did not prepare me for grand-parenthood!

Unlike with my children, I am not required to provide for her day-to-day care. I am able to take her places, then drop her off. She comes over, and then leaves. We get frequent blips of time together, which I appreciate by giving her my attention whenever the opportunity arises.

We love to go to the waterfront, the zoo, and the fancy market across town. We have fun staying home reading stories, watching movies and shows, playing music, and drawing pictures. When we are together, we have fun!

She loves coming to Papa Tom's house, and has surprised me on many occasions with the little things she appreciates. She is always happy to go someplace with me, but also seems to know what she wants to do with Grandpa during leisure time. She knows where the markers and papers are, she knows how to turn on the electric piano, and she knows which books have which stories. We either have time for it all, or we do not. That does not concern us.

Recently she spent the night at my home. I read her to sleep as I often do, laid her in her bed, and did some chores. I stayed up a bit longer, so I was still asleep when she got up. She came into my room, and woke me with a soft touch to my face. She was at the side of my bed petting my face as if I were a kitten when I opened my eyes. As soon as she saw my eyes, she said, "Papa, time to get up cook pancakes. I love-a your pancakes."

My children and grandchild are not little things in my life, though I do appreciate the times we have spent together. However, it has been when each has shown an appreciation for little things I have done for them, that have been truly momentous occasions for me!

Learn more about this author, Tom Koecke.
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