It's Your Life. Live It!

Sam is a high school graduate!

Sweltering in the Virginia heat and humidity, Judy and I looked on as the tall, gangly kid smiled as his name was called and sauntered across the grass to receive his diploma and shake the hands of the school principal and other staff members. I was a bit appalled he was chewing gum with his mouth open, but that didn’t diminish the pride I felt for the boy and for his parents who helped get him to this turning point in his life. I also felt proud of the role Judy and I — as two of his six grandparents — have played in this young man’s life. 

Looking back at my own High School graduation nearly 50 years ago, my grandparents weren’t there. My grandfathers had already passed and I hardly spoke with my grandmothers. They both lived on the East Coast and I was on the West, and telephone calls were few and far between. They simply weren’t a big part of my life.

It’s quite different here. Judy was there from the very beginning, traveling to England when Sam was born to help Stacy and Matt. I joined the party late, but I quickly fell in love with this instant family. When Dani was born, I beamed like any “flesh and blood” grandpa when I first held her in my arms.

When we lived in Virginia, Judy and I would go to soccer games and birthday parties. Even after we moved across the country, we’d visit every time we came to town — at least four to six times per year. We’ve made “Christmas in July” at our Arizona home a tradition — an event we’re really looking forward to in just a few short weeks!

We take part in their busy lives on a weekly and almost daily basis through texts, video calls, and social media. We’ve even flown out to cheer Lizzie at national-level track meets, where she is an up-and-coming hurdles superstar. And we certainly weren’t going to miss Sam’s graduation!

As grandparents, Judy and I bring a different perspective to these kids’ lives. In addition to participating in their events whenever possible, we’ve introduced them to things we love and care about. We’ve taken them on trips to see how we travel. They love to cook with us. Just as importantly, we’ve served as a judgement-free sounding board when they have tough questions about life and love. 

I felt honored to be among the many, many grandparents in the packed minor league baseball stadium that served as the venue for the high school event. We felt lucky to join his parents, sisters and even his paternal grandparents and beamed with pride when Sam found our group and waved with a big grin as the procession of graduates streamed into the stadium. It’s encouraging to see so many generations in one place, cheering on these youngsters as they take these critical steps toward adulthood. And it provides the inspiration to continue to be there for them along life’s journey.

©Judy and Greg Romano – All rights reserved.