My apologies for missing yesterday’s post. Interestingly, the archives generated a larger-than-usual number of hits, so I guess there was good stuff to read after all!

I didn’t have time to write yesterday because I hit the road early and spent the day with my amazing grandchildren in Richmond. Yes, they’ve moved from Connecticut to Virginia! Naomi, Craig, David, and Beks are now just two-and-a-half hours away and settling in to their temporary quarters while building a new home.

A year ago we lived 1,300 miles apart. Then we moved to North Carolina and cut the distance to 590. Now we’ve got it down to 140. I think it’s time to start the process with Andrew and Alicia; but, heads up, Rebekah and I are not going to be moving anywhere!

PLAY: My official role yesterday was to play with David (he’ll be three in a couple of months) and Beks (14 months) so their parents could get some more unpacking done.

That’s when I realized just how significant my visit to Connecticut was in the spring. Not only did my 12-days of solo grand-parenting turn out to be a joy, it established a bank of trust and goodwill with David and Beks that translated into instant joy.

I may be a decent writer, but I’m not sure I can begin to describe how cool it was to see the children light up when they realized Grandaddy Derek was in their new home.

Both children have grown by leaps and bounds over the past five months. Beks now has a 25-word plus vocabulary – with a significant leaning toward the word “NOOOOOOO!” – and David won’t stop talking. Both of them are happy, healthy, loved, and full with joy.

Having just returned from Italy, where we felt so blessed to see how Andrew and Alicia are building their life together, the short visit with Naomi and Craig simply confirmed how much Rebekah and I have to be thankful for, and how rich we are with family.

Enjoy the “beautiful grandchildren” photos, below.

Peace, Blessings, and Promise – DEREK