I have not written about my grandson for too many weeks because I have not seen him for many too many weeks. I’m not with him nearly as much as I wish. Not only that, I’ve been a Rider Bachelor several times these last months. No greater love hath a grandfather for his grandson but that he give up his wife from time to time to go grandmother him. Rider’s parents are busy entrepreneurs running their three-year old company, a so-far successful venture I think is sometimes like a multi-headed hydra: just when you think things are under control, two new heads grow in place of the one you just chopped off. They are grateful when she can help. Not only that, I hardly need to explain how grandma loves spending time with her grandson while his parents are running the family business. She loves the opportunity to get to know and be known by him. Being an occasional bachelor for wife and Rider is a small but potent gift to give. I miss her, and am a little jealous of her time with the child, but I stay busy winning bread and writing. A couple week-ends ago, however, Rider’s grandmother and I arranged to drive the four hours to his home in Brooklyn for a visit.
Rider Lawn More
I love seeing Rider. I especially enjoy first-seeing him, for example, when that bright-eyed tyke gets handed to me by bleary-eyed parents early in the morning or after a long trip. When we finally arrived my eyes, like a laser searching for its target, sought for and found Rider, locking on this child now filled with wonder, and curiosity about his world. Because grandpa time is short, a mere 24 hours, I hold him first, always pure pleasure for me and amazement at this one who has so captured my love and affection.
Almost immediately after we arrive, we set out for the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, a fifteen minute walk. Being with Rider, his grandmother, and his parents fills my cup, but throw beautiful gardens at the beginning of fall into the mix and I’m in Gardener Grandfather heaven. We take turns pushing and carrying Rider, marveling at the growing things that surround us, both plants and baby. I could spend hours here admiring the floral and arboreal wonders and taking notes of things I could plant in my own garden or the yard I don’t yet own. We stop for hamburgers and beer, sitting in the October sun, chatting and relaxing and loving little Rider.
With Rider in the Bonsai Garden
My twenty-four hours in Brooklyn race by. I grab as much time with Rider as I can. I am amazed and delighted by how personable he has become. Gone is the sort of vacant infant look, replaced by the inquisitive eyes and ready smile of an almost five month old. At times, I can even get him to laugh, a musical chuckle that starts from his belly and rings sweetly throughout the room. All who hear it can’t help but laugh too.
My departure time arrives, when I must leave Rider’s grandmother who will spend a few days here with my grandson and his parents. I’m sorry to go, but grateful for every minute I had here.
Rider and Grandpa
