Grandfather's Ramblings / Comentarios del Abuelo (article) by Alex Canton-Dutari on AuthorsDen

Necesidades de un Abuelo

He estado observando y escuchando – sin querer – algunas conversaciones de mis colegas abuelos, viudos, jubilados en las cafeterías de algunos super mercados. La gran queja es que sienten que sus hijos no se sienten cómodos con ellos – “No saben qué actividad inventar”.

Hace unos meses mi hijo menor me invitó a acompañarlo a un viaje a Las Vegas, con la advertencia de que no tendría mucho tiempo para dedicarme porque iba a asistir a un congreso que le iba a ocupar casi todo el tiempo. Lo cierto es que yo me las ingenié para bastonear por toda la ciudad y ver varias obras musicales que me encantaron.

Cuando estábamos en el avión de regreso yo le di las gracias por la invitación.

Hijo, para mí lo más importante es pasar tiempo contigo. La compañía es lo principal, no las actividades.

Creo que si muchos abuelos viudos se atrevieran a exponer sus sentimientos al respecto tal vez tendrían más oportunidad de no sentirse solos.

De paso, ya estoy invitado a otro viaje….

Grandpa’s Ramblings

I have been listening to many colleagues – grandfathers – conversing about their feelings of loneliness. They feel that their offspring believe that they have to hold special activities to include their fathers in their lives.

A couple of months ago my youngest son took me along on a business trip to Las Vegas. He did warn me that there would not be much free time for special activities. Nevertheless, I did get around and attended a few musicals. My international walking cane was up to par.

On our flight back home I explained to my son that what I had enjoyed the most was his company – flying together, conversing over breakfast…. Just being with him.

I believe that many widowed grandparents would like to spend more time with their children, but if they do not voice it…. Our children cannot guess our feelings.

By the way, I have been invited to another trip….

Reviewed by m j hollingshead

Reviewed on November 2, 2014

well said, you give me a chance to practice reading Spanish! I'm not very fluent, but it helps to keep it going, and trying to translate first and then read the English helps!

gracias, la maestro del ninos in California para 20+ anos

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on November 1, 2014

I don't have any children, but I'm not lonely. In fact, I often enjoy being alone. My twin brother, on the other hand, has recently lost his wife to a tragic accident. He has expressed a desire to come to see me and a daughter, over 1000 miles away. That was something he didn't seem to do when he was tied up with his wife and her family that was always around.

I sense that he is lonelier now and I will try to make him feel good when he comes.

Ron

Cosas de Abuelos / Grandpa's Ramblings