Grandparent’s hopes
Don Schmitz & Grandkidsandme

I hope you take time to go fishing with me. Better yet, I hope you clean the fish and learn how to properly dispose of the remains
I hope I can teach you how to make chocolate chip cookies and Rice Crispy treats and that you experience the pleasure of licking the spatula when we’re done
I hope you learn to appreciate long walks and that the real value is not for your body, but your mind
I hope you remember the caring and love of family and friends
I hope you learn from your dog what unconditionally love is
I hope your children won’t learn everything the first time and they are forced to ask for help
I hope the batteries in your electronic games continue to “run out” and that you find time to play a game of hide and seek with your brother and sister
I hope you don’t get a college scholarship and work during and after college to pay for your tuition
I hope you learn to laugh at and learn from your mistakes
I hope that your degree doesn’t automatically provide you with $50,000 a year, but instead you work in less than ideal conditions with a demanding boss
I hope you learn to appreciate an old apartment with too many roommates and no air conditioning.
I hope that you will find enough time to do all the fun things you want.
I hope you don’t always have a new car to drive on long trips, but instead, go on a crowded bus with a very diverse group of people
I hope you never have so much that you don’t need to ask your neighbor for help
I hope you have credit card payments that force you to make tough decisions.
I hope you find comfort and security in your own home
I hope you always have time to read a good book
I hope that you witness the marvels of nature: butterflies dancing on the wind, deer running in the woods, birds flying south and the shadows of trees in the autumn forest
I hope you learn the “other guy” always wins the lottery
I hope you remember to share what you have with those less fortunate.
And finally at the end of each day, when you count your blessings that you remember to be thankful for the trials, tribulations and challenges that provided you with your wisdom of life

Don Schmitz is a popular speaker and writer on parenting and grandparenting. He is the author of The New Face of Grandparenting…Why Parents Need Their Own Parents and founder of The Grandkidsandme Foundation and Grandparent Camps. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration and Human Development. He is the father to three sons and nine grandchildren. Contact Don@grandkidsandme.com