I think God created GrandParenthood to help us understand that we are capable of such unconditional love, affection, patience, tolerance for ambiguity, optimism, positive outlook, cheerfulness, fun, laughter, willingness to let our hair down and adorable behaviour.
In his mischief He has left it to us as a choice to extend that to others.
Our grandsons, Arhan – 7 years & Pratyush – 5 years, are visiting us. What follows are our conversations – spontaneous, unedited and authentic. They appeared in Facebook over the last 3 weeks
Conversation with Pratyush.
“Thathu we are going to America next week.”
“Do you like India or America?”
His diplomatic answer
“I will fly to America by Air-India!”
When I got home Arhan said “We had a great time Thatu. I met some one called Sridhar Anna. He is nice, so much fun.”
“Any one with a name Sridhar is a nice person” I said.
“Do you think so Arhan?” Asked Viji Sridhar
“That is his opinion Ammamma”
“I just made toast for your daughter” Pratyush says.
“So you are a cook…”
“No”
“No?”
“I am a Chef, not a cook”
Early start for the day with Pratyush arriving in the kitchen. I am boiling milk. He asks me to carry him. I do and forget the milk. Sure enough it boils over.
“You created a mess” says P.
“Your fault; you confused me and asked me to carry you.”
“No, I convinced you”
“Convinced me? What is the meaning of word convinced?”
“It means making you do something you did not want to do.”
Playing Ludo with Pratyush, Pavitra Vivek Narayanan, & Viji Sridhar
Pratyush & I say we are partners and we won’t cut each other. As it happens I do get a chance to cut Pratyush’s coin, but I don’t. We do hi-fi, much hugging and all.
A little later Pratyush rolls the dice. Now he has an option of cutting my coin or move another coin. He cuts my coin!
I say “Hey what is this? ”
“It is only a game Thathu. If we have to win, we have to cut”
Gives me another hug and moves on!
I am at the dining table reading the newspaper. Pratyush is behind me in the floor playing with some toy. I clear my throat. “Thathu is having his morning coughing” is the spontaneous comment from the floor.
Pratyush to me
Thank you for sharing this with us, Sridhar. I have been following your FB posts as well. Your grandsons are so innocent and say the wittiest things. They seem to be a live demo of all the things your blog posts speak about – encouraging creativity, communication, independent thinking in children, etc. And the result is here for all to see!