Oh…to be Nine Again

Upon graduation from high school and/or college, our lives can change dramatically. We are suddenly thrust from the care of our parents to the hustle and bustle of caring for ourselves.

Beer pong and other games are set aside for a job, rent or mortgage, groceries, a spouse and children. It is a part of growing up.

However, as children and grandchildren enter our lives, we may return, at times, to childhood.

Recently, my husband and I took a trip to Massachusetts to visit our nearly 25-year-old son. Our grandson went along with us. It has been quite a while since we have viewed the world through 9-year-old eyes.

It began with my husband playing on a swing set when we arrived at our destination. He swung as high as he could—high enough to see over the top bar just like when he was a kid. Then, it was off to the sliding board and other playground activities laughing and running with our grandson by his side.

Our son lives near the shore, so of course we had to spend some time on the beach. It was our grandson’s first time at the shore and he was fascinated at the immense size of the ocean. We looked out as far as we could see, imagining what could be out there.

It took a bit of encouragement to get him into the water, but once he felt the waves splash against his legs and the sand between his toes, he was hooked. Like children, we picked up sea shells, as if for the first time, turning them different ways and washing them off to take home. 

Two young men walked along the beach and showed us the hermit crabs they were collecting. There we all went—into the water to find our own! What fun we had picking up the crabs and inspecting them to see who got the biggest one without getting pinched.

And what is a trip to the beach without burying somebody in the sand? So, my husband and son proceeded to bury the 9-year-old. I stood and watched as my “kids” dug and dug, found water and dug some more. Then, it was time for the burial…just above his waist but enough that he couldn’t get himself out. As pappy pulled him out, he was ready to do it again. 

Most days started and ended with someone either jumping on the bed or having a pillow fight. Usually it was the kids…we are getting too old to jump on the bed! It was a blessing to not have neighbors during these times.

So, parents and grandparents, when you take your child or grandchild to or to play, you may want to get down in the sand or dirt, slide down the sliding board with them or swing as high as you can.

Be a kid—it’s fun!