Keep it Real Wednesday
November 20, 2019
No Perfect, just present?
A few weeks ago, Rosemary and I went on a blessing bike ride to the music store to pick up some new guitar strings for my son’s guitar. The picture on the front of the store brought back a whirlwind of memories.
I have fond memories of Rosemary patiently listening to years and years of classical guitar practice when Nick was taking lessons from age 5 to 16. The lessons required practice of at least 30 minutes each day. Wade and I were often busy with our careers and just “life” but Rosemary always had the time to sit and listen to Nick practice, over and over again. Rosemary did not have a musical ear or formal training but she listened with love – just listened, no feedback, no judgement, just love. To this day, when Nick comes over, he grabs his childhood guitar from his room, sits next to Rosemary and just plays. She listens with a smile and not a word is spoken.
Rosemary was the same with our daughter Amanda. As Amanda would share her childhood and teenage experiences, she would keep her secrets and just listen. She watched Amanda play at every soccer game with pride, despite how she played or how the game ended. Amanda’s friends all loved “Grandma Rosemary” and often would cuddle up on the couch next to her too.
You see, it was never about the wrong note or a missed goal or a judgment of any sort, it was always just about being present.
Here’s to grandparents everywhere who show up to just be present. To listen, to love and to just hold space together. Those times are precious.
Our children were some of the lucky ones.
