Through the Eyes of Grandchildren

We can see a world that has no prejudice, just a desire for friendship.
I was celebrating my birthday a few days ago with the help of my two grandchildren who also live here in Ottawa. They went all out to tell me how much they wanted to be part of the celebrations. Ryan (7 years) and Sara (soon to be 6 years) insisted on choosing the birthday cake. So we went to the Independent store at Billings Bridge Plaza and they chose a nice cake which catered to my taste although their favorite vanilla component was rather high on top of things. With a lot of excitement they asked the lady at the pastry counter to write on it “Happy Birthday Papa”. Then they carried the cake, all wrapped up in a white box, to the cashier and placed it on the counter. Ryan then put his hand into the pocket of his trousers and pulled out a $20 bill and handed it to the cashier. Sara then said “today is my Papa’s birthday” followed by Ryan’s loud announcement “Papa is 72 today”. I commented to him “thank you big mouth”; the cashier observed the exchange with a smile and said “your Papa is a good looking man for 72”. I then complimented Ryan for orchestrating the compliment from that nice lady to his Papa.
Grandchildren are great and I treasure the time I can spend with them. I learnt to see the world through their eyes and every day becomes a gift. In 2004 during my cancer treatment I made a bucket list and the first item on it was: I want to live and be at the graduation of my grandchildren. So far I am on track. In 2005 I attended the High School graduation of my oldest grandson (Nathan) in Waunakee, Wisconsin; in 2008 I was there when my oldest granddaughter (Tassia) graduated from High School; in 2009 I was a very proud nagypapa (grandpa in Hungarian) attending the college graduation in photo journalism of Nathan in Missoula, Montana. I plan to be there for the graduation of both Ryan and Sara.
I am very lucky that the cancer treatment was successful. At the same time, I consider myself especially fortunate that I have been able to treat the cancer scare as a wakeup call, rather than a death sentence, to lead a better lifestyle and to view positively my priorities in life. Family is definitely the number one item on my priority list. When grandchildren tell me that they love me, it is even a nicer music to my ears than listening to my all-time favorite: Andre Rieu’s orchestra playing Shostakovich' Second Waltz. Seeing my son and daughter happy and practicing good parenting is also on the top of my bucket list and the results are most gratifying. Being healthy and at the same time being able to contribute to society by working still in high tech and writing books exceeds even the most optimistic version of my bucket list.
An area that is not performing well on my bucket list is how world affairs are impacted negatively by race and religion. For example, some religious leaders insist that God does not want women to be priests. Other religious hardliners consider that those who follow different denominations than theirs are non-believers in God. Some men are trying to overcome their insecurity by controlling women in the name of religion and tradition. Let’s get real MEN and learn from children of innocence! They see the world without prejudice, one that is based on friendship. When I pick up my youngest grandchildren from school, I see them hug their friends; race, color and religion do not diminish their friendship and the good feelings they have for each other. Why can’t some adult be like them?