Right on time, Lee and Jarrod arrived -- Lee had to get to school for a meeting. Jarrod and I reviewed the menu for tomorrow, looked at the list of to-do's and together got the day underway. In short order, Jarrod took the lead position -- with me as backup and coach -- and completed the assembly of the Strawberry Pretzel desert. After a bit of a break we assembled the Chicken Divan. Both dishes were covered and put in the refrig. We took on some other chores of the To-Do list and Jarrod called time for lunch. I had delayed my breakfast -- and really ate my homemade sausage biscuits during the time Jarrod prepared the layers for the desert and assembled the dish. So at lunch time, I was not really hungry.
While we were out back attending to some chores out there, Debbie L. called to remind me of our meeting at 1:30. Jarrod knew about it, so we simply looked at the list, and Jarrod chose what he wanted to do while Debbie and I talked.
The meeting with Debbie was good. I had a chance to review some of my plans for the website and get her reactions as a person in the field. I want Collegeguidepost.com to be a resource -- as it was designed. I think Blaine has gotten me thinking about a way to get closer to our founding ideals. Once I get the site transferred to a different server I will make some corrections, changes and additions to the site as it is now, and maintain it that way while I get Blaine's help with the next itineration. Debbie was quite interested in how I am doing personally and very supportive in her response.
After Debbie left, Jarrod and I ran an errand (sushi for tonight and pizza for tomorrow night -- he is going a great job of preparing the food for tomorrow night -- even though most of it contains things that he doesn't like/eat!) Came back, he helped me with the games for tomorrow night, and then it was time to take him to his Father's office -- he was looking forward to working on an "Imax" monitor (bigger than mine at the TOSC) while his Dad taught a class.
Yes it was a busy day -- but that is not what made it a great day. Spending the day one-on-one with my grandson was a desire of mine for a long time. Getting to spend that day with him, just as he is turning 13 means that I get a brief glimpse of that awesome transition from child to teenager on his way to adulthood. For me, it was walking on holy ground! Our running conversation during the day gave both of us opportunity to share ourselves with each other, unfettered by any outside interference. I got opportunity to let Jarrod know that I intended to brag about him to my friends that he would meet tomorrow night. That was OK with Jarrod. I was very clear that I would be proudly be "showing him off" to my friends, and that would also include respecting his choices about how he would handle the crowd, and we established that he would not be expected to be a part of the group unless he so chose. I was so impressed with his creative way of taking care of himself and acknowledging the necessity for social convention.
Even greater than that, Jarrod let me see his very strong caring for others -- and his growing confidence in standing up for himself, and not taking on feelings or words from others that did not belong to him. I wonder if Lee and Renee are aware of how great their contribution was. Yes it was a very great day -- and I cannot be prouder than to know that he will be with me tomorrow to help me pull off this Couples Club meeting.
Tomorrow starts early -- the brunch then to Apollo Beach to pick up Jarrod so we get all the preparations in place.
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