#A Grand Celebration of Love #

By vermavkv on September 10, 2023 • ( 10 )

Grandparents Day with My Granddaughter

As I sit here, pen in hand, reminiscing about the beautiful moments I’ve shared with my granddaughter, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and love.

Today is National Grandparents Day, a day when we celebrate the cherished bond between generations, and I couldn’t think of a better way to mark this occasion than by sharing a heartwarming story that has left an indelible mark on my heart.

Learn how to swim

And, one very surprising incident happened that boosted my confidence and even changed my perception and way of thinking. Yes, I had a desire since childhood to learn how to swim, but at that time, neither the conditions nor the facilities were available.

But as they say, sometimes unexpected incidents occur, ones you don’t even anticipate. It happened just a year ago. After my morning walk, I settled down to do yoga near the swimming pool located by the park.

Children were joyfully splashing about in the pool, including my granddaughter, who was swimming there in the pool.

I attempted to meditate

The cool morning breeze and the warm caress of sunlight had captivated my mind, creating a sense of tranquility. As I attempted to meditate, my granddaughter suddenly approached me with an earnest request to join her in the pool.

I’d always been somewhat fearful of the water due to my inability to swim, but one can’t easily refuse a child’s wishes. So, I fetched a swimming suit, and in the blink of an eye, I was in the water with her.

While my granddaughter swam confidently with the help of a tube, I timidly stood in the water, content with merely splashing about. After all, I had never learned how to swim, and the idea of it still frightened me.

There was a gentleman nearby who had been observing my hesitant movements in the water.

“A grandparent is old on the outside but young on the inside

A child needs a grandparent

Let’s have a race

Then, to my surprise, my granddaughter suggested, “Dada ji, let’s have a race in the water” But her enthusiasm deflated as she quickly added, “Sorry, Dadaji, you don’t know how to swim.”

But, “It doesn’t matter,” she continued with an unwavering confidence that belied her tender age. “I’ll teach you how to swim.” Her determination astounded me; she was only eight years old, yet she was willing to impart her knowledge to me.

A young man who had been swimming nearby overheard our conversation. He approached me and said, “Uncle, you can swim.”

I gazed at him, chuckling, and replied, “I attempted to learn how to swim years ago but never succeeded. Now that old age has caught up with me, even an old lion is of no use in the water.”

Consider it a challenge

But he was undeterred. “Consider it a challenge,” he said with a confident smile. “I’ll teach you how to swim in just two days.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the audacity of his claim. Meanwhile, my granddaughter persisted in encouraging me to try. Initially, I felt a deep-seated fear of swimming, but this young man patiently explained some swimming techniques and offered his support as we ventured into the water together.

Two days later, I had gained enough confidence to actually compete with my granddaughter in a race. It was a monumental achievement and a dream come true, one that I had harbored since my youth. All thanks to my granddaughter’s unwavering belief in me.

Whenever I visit the pool now, I reminisce about that extraordinary incident and offer my gratitude to my little angel. She was the catalyst that breathed life into my long-lost dream of swimming.

Grandfathers are just antique little boy

I reflect on Grandparents Day,

Today, as I reflect on Grandparents Day, I can’t help but think about my granddaughter. Our celebration was more than just a day of love and connection; it was a day that changed my life and instilled a newfound confidence within me.

As I finish writing this blog, she enters the room, her smile radiating warmth and love.

“Thank you, Dada ji, for the best Grandparents Day ever,” she says, her eyes brimming with affection. In that moment, I am reminded once again of the profound impact we have on our grandchildren’s lives and the immense joy that comes from being a part of their journey.

Children need a grandparent

On this National Grandparents Day, I am grateful for the gift of my granddaughter and the countless beautiful moments we’ve shared.

Our bond is a testament to the enduring power of love, and I eagerly anticipate many more Grandparents Days filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories with Abhika by my side. Happy Grandparents Day.