"A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys."
Today marks the birthday of my grandson's 6th birthday. Michael Nathanial and sis Alhanna left to live in Oshawa, Ontario Canada last summer. He was 4 then about to turn 5. I have not seen him since. I will highlight our time together since he arrived at our house in Galesburg at the age of 2 1/2.
Alhanna was born in Galesburg in October and then left shortly after so I don't have the history with her that I had with Michael. For two years Michael and I were inseparable. This is our story.
They all arrived from Florida via a Trailways Bus. Brendan, Lindsay and little Michael. He could barely talk and was quiet. Certainly not love at first sight. In fact I think I referred to him as a "friend of a friend" when discussing our little man who moved in with Nancy and I that cold winter night. Brendan saved Lindsay and Michael from a tough situation and we were more or less pleased to help him and his new family. I wasn't sold on the deal at the time, being a bit of a grump when "change" comes knocking. But I decided to do the best I could and welcomed them with gifts and smiles.
I don't know when it hit me. It wasn't like an apple falling on my head or a great epiphany. It was more subtle, more insidious. It happened over time, with a few words, a few gestures, a few pats on the head, and a few rides on the back. It happened. I became a grampa, and I haven't been the same since.
Happy Birthday, Michael
All these Michael posts made me cry you jerk. Why did I come by your blog and start looking around anyways huh?!? I miss you guys so very much. (THis is Lindsay by the way)
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