A Life Reviewed | Parenthood's Legacy
In which Teófilo reflects on the sons he and Mercie launched.
“Parenthood remains the single greatest preserve of the amateur.” –Alvin Toffler
The Nest Empties
The boys grew up and left the nest. Chris being the oldest, he left us first, too soon - we thought. But who was to know?
He graduated from high school in 2004. He soon married and became a father very fast. First, of twin girls born to heaven. Then of three boys in rapid succession, the first one in 2007, making us grandparents in our early 40s. The last one arrived in 2015.
Chris studied very hard throughout it all. He specialized in computer network administration and security. He's achieved a Master's degree and is working on his second one. He has accrued great experience in the field.
Jon graduated from high school in 2010 and from college in 2014. His majored in computer science. He met his wife at a local Catholic church group in Virginia where we had relocated since the closing of the NDIC. They soon married, adding two precious girls to our grandchildren lineup.
This short sketch of their lives is what I'm allowing myself to say. The boy's own stories are for them to tell.
The pitter-patter sound of little feet returns to us.
We're taken with every one of our grandchildren. We had worked hard to remain a part of their lives. In doing so, lots memories of Papi come flooding back to me. I relive my years as a grandson with each one of them.
Once again, our living spaces filled with toys, first boy toys and now, girl toys. There's music, fun, and lullabies. Joy has invaded our home once again.
We stand in wonder at their different personalities and character. We see aspects of ourselves in each one. In them I see myself projecting into the future, a future in which I will not be here, but they'll be. They'll continue the great adventure Mercie and I had started in Puerto Rico over 40 years ago. Our love has fructified in ways we couldn't imagine.
Truly,
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents (Proverbs 17:6).
God has blessed by having made us youthful grandparents. We still had the strength to run after them amidst their games and laughter. The eldest grandson is almost of age. It is possible that within the next decade we'll get to see our first great-grandchild. And then the Lord would have blessed us to see our children unto the fourth generation.
And God-willing, we’ll be there to spoil them too.
God is good!