GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 16
poetry
A special kinda love: being Grandpa Tom
Love comes in many flavors
The variety is like
Baskin-Robbins
There is a special love
sent from heaven above
It is a generation away
It grows stronger
each and every day
The bond is intense
I smile, laugh
and talk nonsense
repeating things
my grandpa said to me
Tickling, wrestling,
whale watching and
drive-in-movies
Flea market, pizza
walking on the beach
Reading books
and making up stories
Walking in the woods
Swimming in the pool
Listening to music is cool
Ice cream, donuts
Jumping over waves
Walking the dogs,
16 GRAND Summer 2022
climbing up trees
watching TV
Putt-Putt golf and
other fun stuff
no matter the day
Even when not physically present
we are only a thought,
a phone call a FaceTime away
Each interaction
has special meaning
It is a second chance
to have a meaningful
and fun impact
on the next generation
A relationship based on
pure love, joy, appreciation
without the apprehension
of being fully responsible
for another human being
Understanding that their
parents are ultimately in charge
My charge, having fun
and building memories
Providing a vital bridge
and connection to
both the past and the future
* Another moral compass for sure
I am fortunate
to share the innocence
of their childhood and
creativity of their play
with each of them
on any given day
An unconditional love and
support when young and
lending an empathetic and supportive,
loving, adult ear
along with guidance
as they grow older
A safe harbor, an endless supply of
love, acceptance, patience, guidance,
and unwavering support
This love brings
emotional closeness
that is life-changing
Be the believer in their dreams
* An encourager
* A guide along their way
* A mentor to rely on
* A cheerleader for their successes
* A nurturer of their talents and skills
My grandkids have helped:
restore my energy, optimism
and created a sense of purpose
They have been an antidote to feeling
down,
make me love being tired and help
keep me on my toes
They give me purpose
I am always anticipating
our next interaction
They are memory builders
and add value to my life
I love being Grandpa Tom
to these lovely little boys
Breathe in gratitude, exhale joy
Besides being " Grandpa
Tom " to Owen, Sonny,
Dylan, Everett, and
August, Tom Watkins is
a former Michigan State
Superintendent of Schools
and State Mental Health
Director as well as serving
in leadership positions
in higher education and
business.
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GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022
Contents
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - Cover1
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 2
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 3
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 3A
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - Contents
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 5
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 6
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 7
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 8
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 9
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 10
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 11
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 12
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 13
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 14
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 15
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 16
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 17
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 18
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GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 30
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 31
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 32
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 33
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 34
GRAND Magazine - Fall 2022 - 35
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