The Possibilities

I was snuggling with my grandson the other day—- I consider that a fringe benefit of being his daycare. It was morning nap time and instead of checking my phone for the latest news or a new puppy video, I noticed his hand.

This little hand that was resting on my chest.

It was then that I began to wonder —— what will that hand do? If only we could gaze into the future.

Will it throw a football in front of thousands of cheering fans to win the Super Bowl?

Will it throw a 100 mph fastball for a 9th inning strike out?

Will it master the game of chess?

Will it learn to cook a gourmet meal or just a juicy steak on the grill?

Will it hold the hand of a true love? Will he find his soul mate?

Maybe it will hold a scalpel as it treats someone who has been hurt.

Maybe it will turn a wrench as he helps to keep someone’s car running or swing a hammer as a new home is built.

I don’t know why my mind wondered onto this subject. I was just looking at that little hand that is busy these days exploring. He has a couple of books that have different textures on different pages that he can reach out and touch and feel. No doubt that hand will have plenty of boo boos from playing hard or touching something he should not. He’ll live and learn.

I watch him sometimes, especially when he’s sleeping, and am met by wonderment when I think of all that is to come.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older and this time with Liam has given me a chance to reflect on all that I’ve done. Sure there’s been some bad times but, thankfully, we tend to focus on the many wonderful memories. I don’t spend too much time thinking of my own childhood, some would say that’s because it’s so far back. I think back to my children: I made my share of mistakes but I couldn’t be prouder of the way they have all turned out. I can step back and watch them all now as they navigate their own journeys. If nothing else, I think I did that right.

That little hand —— I hope it develops a strong handshake like his daddy; a soft, comforting touch like his mommy; and I hope he will hold mine when our roles are reversed.