How does a Grandfather win the hearts of his children’s children? I suppose there are many ways. But I will share with you a few that seem to work at the farm.
The Grandpa on this farm works hard and diligently to provide for his family. He milks cows and raises chickens and a few Holstein steers. There is much field work to do to maintain the livestock. Time for playing with the grandchildren is limited. However, this Grandpa makes it his aim to do things with his grandchildren when he can.
For the youngest ones, he will hold the babies after his meals. Grandpa and baby seem to fall asleep together. It may only be a few minutes, but that is quality time for them.
As the children grow to toddling, Grandpa gets more active with them. He resorts to playing ball with them in the living room. The child can hear Grandpa’s enthusiasm as he blurts out, “Let’s play ball!” Grandpa sits on the floor and rolls or bounces the ball to his little partner. Sometimes Grandpa can’t find the ball.
“Why is that?” you might ask. When the kids stand close to him, he slips the ball inside the little one’s shirt. So now both child and Grandpa have to look for it. 😆
At meal time, Grandpa has the little one sit beside him in the family high chair, so that Grandpa can help him eat. Occasionally while he holds the spoon, the child’s mouth agape, Grandpa moves the food-laden spoon teasingly close. The child waits patiently while Grandpa glides the spoon off to the side and misses his or her mouth. If it doesn’t work the first time, they both try this again, and sometimes again. This good-humored feeding trick is tolerated well and delights the child. We all get a chuckle from it, too. 😛
The really big thing that delights the kids is the Tractor Ride. When they are old enough, they can ride with Grandpa. It is a slow ride down the driveway in a low gear, on down the farm road and back again. The excitement of riding the big tractor motivates the kids to get out of the house and spend time with Grandpa. 🙂 😀 😛
The Bible tells us in Psalm 127:3 (NKJV), “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.”
Our farm is named, Grabau Heritage Farm. We acquired it through our ancestor’s faith and labor. We have labored here ourselves. Although land is valuable, our greatest heritage is from the Lord, our children. Children are our reward. What better hearts are there to win than theirs?
The book, Tales from Heritage Farm is available for sale from this website.
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