JJ and Me

LEGACY BUILDING

Three of our grandchildren had a sleepover on Saturday night. The youngest of the three is Jayden, known as JJ and he is five years old.

On Sunday afternoon, his brother and sister were each occupied with their own activities. JJ came to my studio and I was sitting at my laptop. He came quietly to me and said, "Grandpa, can you come outside with me?"
I said, "do you want to go outside?"
JJ responded, "Can you play with me?"
I was so touched by the soft request.
"Let's go!" I said.

So we went outside, sunglasses on and started out for a long walk. As we walked we stopped to look at insects and we picked up anything that looked shiny or interesting. We headed for the hydro right of way in which spacious walkways have been constructed. I spoke to JJ about the hydro towers. JJ told me those are power lines. I asked him, "how do you know that?"

He said, "I just know it." I told him, "I am so proud of you."
JJ said, "I know a lot of things. I think that I'm a pretty smart boy."

We walked to the school yard and we did the swings and then I watched as he climbed and slid on the equipment. We continued our walk and talk and wound up at the corner store where I bought him a multi-coloured slushy. I had a coke.

The walk home was casual, conversational, and so much fun for us both, a man and his grandson. I loved it.