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Today's column is an update on how our five grandsons fared in 2023, and our wishes for them and us through the new year.
Our eldest grandson, Rufus, 19, started college at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa., enrolled in a program which will give him a bachelor's in computer science and a cyber security master's in four years. Pretty smart. Home-schooled by his mother, Miss T, as all three of their boys are, Rufus had already accumulated 27 college credits while in high school. Geneva is far enough for him to enjoy some independence and "the college experience," but near enough to come home often.
He arrived for the holidays with long hair and newly practiced guitar riffs, including some from '70s rock bands, which I greatly enjoyed hearing. A new amplifier for Christmas made them sound even better. Don't worry; one B among A's show his head is in his studies.
His brother Bob turned 16, got his driver's license and a used car (two, actually, but that's a long story). He has grown a head taller, at least, and added considerable muscle, playing soccer and working out in the home gym he and his father Seed set up in the barn. Bob has aged out of part ownership in the pumpkin patch business, replacing it with plans for a lawn mowing service this coming summer. He plans are for trade school, not college
The Favorite, this generation's only redhead, is 12. He's a smart kid, breezing through most of his home school curriculum and playing as much video gaming as he is allowed. His sport is swimming, at which he is much improved. He'll continue to work in the farm pumpkin patch, with his cousins Lamppost Head and The 747 joining as new partners, meaning a three-way split of the profits.
As precocious younger siblings often do, The Favorite likes to interact with adults and show off his knowledge in various subjects, sometimes testing our patience. My sister Col. Peggy reminded me that I was an argumentative know-it-all at his age.
Lamppost Head, 12, a sixth grader at Oak Glen, comes to our house every day after school because our daughter Shark and hubby Snickers are working. His brother The 747, who will shortly turn 11, will do the same thing next year when he moves to Oak Glen Middle School. It is a special treat for Honey and I to have a grandson in the house on a daily basis. My wife makes sure a snack is handy, and often helps Lamppost Head with his math homework. Writing is more his strength: he recently won class honors for a patriotic essay.
Lamppost Head was one of three sixth graders to make the middle school basketball team. He and The 747 have had success in youth baseball, soccer and basketball from an early age, often playing on the same team because The 747 was athletic enough to play up an age group. They tried their hand at football this year, with The 747 winning team awards for best rookie and best defensive player.
Honey, who loves to watch football, did not want them to play for fear of injury. Although she goes to all our grandsons' games, she told The 747 and Lamppost Head she would not watch them play football until they saw the movie "Concussion." They did and she went to their games, but she didn't like it.
We know how fortunate we are to have such good grandsons, and all five living nearby. Being involved in their lives is a blessing beyond price. Honey delights in opportunities to feed them (and their big appetites!), and support them in their endeavors. I find joy in working with them and teaching them how to do things. Hugs for grandma and roughhousing with grandpa add a loving physicality to our relationship.
They know that no matter what difficulties may come their way in 2024 and beyond, Honey and I will always love our grandsons, and as long as we live, will be there when they need us.