A Gift of Time

I wrote this story several years ago. Things have changed a bit, now I am waiting for Medicare to kick in and I have gone through a serious health issue that will always be something to check on the rest of my life. I have a wonderful family and that baby boy turned 4 in August. As you can see from this winning picture, he is beautiful. The picture was one in hundred picture picked by LongHorn during a week this past summer.
I also was blessed with a granddaughter, but not by the usual way. She is the sister of my daughter-in-law. My husband and I have become very close to her and enjoy her many achievements. During the summer she performed her first solo dance and won the championship in Orlando. Isn't this 12 year old a beauty?

So, here is my original story and although things have changed a bit, I still get to give my wonderful family a gift of time.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The greatest gift is a portion of thyself." Giving the gift of time to those around you, (sharing your friendship, companionship, a talent or skill) is a great gift.

This gift of time can be thought of in various ways. I have reached that great plateau of age 60. Emerson also said, “Getting old is a fascination thing. The older you get, the older you want to get.” I have only a year to go before I'll receive my first Social Security check in the mail. With pretty good health, I should make it, with no sweat. I look around me at others and find that I'm lucky in that respect. Time should be on my side. The one thing I was missing, which took time to get, is a grandchild. A bouncing baby boy came into my life a month earlier than expected in August. I hope to keep that gift of time in order, to give this precious and beloved grandson, and any more that join the family the gift of time which all children everywhere deserve. Boy or girl doesn't truly matter. All that really matters is that a healthy child will have the gift of time to grow and mature in order to be a productive member of the world community.

That gift of time shouldn't be taken lightly. Take each day and spend it with your family and friends. Laugh, play ball, teach a skill, enjoy a good meal and even take up a new hobby. To that new baby boy and his parents, when they encounter the inevitable challenges of life, as the song goes, I hope you dance.