I have been looking forward to this day for several weeks! Jarrod was coming to spend the better part of the day with me. His Dad brought him in -- on his way to work -- and would be coming back later so they could go to the Children's Cancer Center for an evening of fun for the kids, a night out for parents.
Jarrod is such a good worker. When he got here, he had to show me the roller coaster he had gone on with his big buddy -- even showed me the web site that filmed the whole ride. Awesome
We had done some planning about the project we were going to do, so we finalized the sequence we would follow, using the bricks that were already here and the other materials I had picked up. Jarrod has made good use of the Lego construction he has been doing, and I was in awe of his ability to visualize the project and anticipate some of the details that would have to be taken into account.
What I had not anticipated was how much energy he put into doing the project -- to the point that breaks were very short, and if I decided to take care of some detail during a break, Jarrod would be ready to get back to work about the time I wanted to sit down. Most I could do at that point was to hydrate and try to keep up with the young dynamo
We worked hard, sweated hard, Jarrod kept track of time remaining so he could shower and change when his Dad got back with his change of clothes. When Lee did get here he quietly came in (using the new lock set on the front door) and discovered Jarrod and I crashed in front of TV -- we had finished the project and put up most of the equipment.
I am so proud of Jarrod, and am reveling in getting the opportunity to know him one-on-one. Can't think of a better way to get to know him during this transitional time of his life (his Mom says he is a 12 year old in an adult body -- he currently looks me straight in the eye when we are standing). I could tell him how impressed I was in watching him dealing with his younger brother, and hearing him talk about his own adaptations to the little brothers illness -- and personality "changes" brought on by the chemotherapy. He is impressive. I have to say he maturity is well beyond a 12 year old. It was important that this project was clearly his, and really enjoyed being his helper and coach. He added to his "firsts", and looks forward to spending time here with me because he gets to try new skills and "hang out" with me. Was I the very proud Grandpa? You betcha. Was I the very tired Grandpa? You betcha. Will I cherish our time together? You betcha. In so many ways, I realize that this is another channel that is becoming mine to put energy into use, and an alternative to trying to gloss over or "control feelings". Was all the grief stuff still right close to the surface? You betcha. With Jarrod I have the opportunity to share my experiences and knowledge -- and am noticing that while I am "taking care" of him, I am sharing me with him. I think that is a good use of the energy that is looking for some kind of expression -- although this channel is probably going to switch from dealing with that painful sadness to painful muscles the next day. I will sleep very well tonight! Thanks for your willingness to share yourself with me, Jarrod.
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