Of course, now that I have been both a parent and grandparent for three years and eight months, I have answers. Although I still have more questions and observations than answers. In fact, I think that we often pursue answers instead of thinking about questions and making observations. It seems that is a lost art somewhere in our human development. But the Almighty gave us parents and grandparents – if we are among the lucky ones. And if you don’t have your own, you can find surrogates to love, respect, and care for.

So, what is a parent to do? First of all, we need to realize that it is a blessing to be a parent. But isn’t it amazing how a blessing with responsibilities can change our life? We are given this awesome, incredible, and impossible responsibility without instructions. That is, only if we do not actually seek out the instructions.

There are forces in the world that seek to distract us from our destiny. Many have travelled along a path and stumbled across some worn out paths that cause a pause, a reflection of why is that road less traveled. Do they end up in the same place? A better place? It’s hard to say, but I do believe good wins over evil if we have the mindset, the thought however fleeting, that there is good in this world and you believe that you want to be a part of it.

Think about the gift of children and grandchildren as a vast, incredible, and endless toolbox with everything anyone could ever need to find absolute joy, peace, and a life worth living. That is in each and every child brought into this word and shame on us if we cannot recognize a hammer from a nail. As I said, there are no instructions, but can we figure it out?

Of course we can! And that’s where grandparents come in. The dirty little secret seems to be that grandparents were parents that thought they knew everything, forgot most of what really worked, and now instruct new parents on how to use new and old tools to do the job!

Grandparents, at least the good ones and the ones who love, are the greatest people you will ever meet. They can tell stories that don’t have to be true, but have to be interesting, or at least have a point to prove. They have seen things they can only remember when they are telling someone else what to do. And they are not afraid to own it, not at all. Not even apologetically.

All that is ok because trying to give love and wisdom to a child is the sharing opportunity of a lifetime. What is great about it is that anyone can have the gift of giving love and wisdom to a child. By setting an example and reaching out to our fellow human beings with a smile is where it starts. Children do not have to be your own for you to be a good example of a good person. Think about how it must be for people who do not have the parents and grandparents to be what only a grandparent or parent can be for them.

So, what is a parent or grandparent to do? Thank God every day and give sincere thoughts and thanks for being given such a gift, such a blessing. Then go out and show your family, the people around you every day, and the people you come across the example and shine the light on the world as the first step in Tikum Olam.

Vito Simone is a local resident, home renovation expert, and a Zayde to Zev and Leo. You can find his professional business online at www.TodaysHomeRenovations.com. Comments are welcome below or you can email Vito at [email protected] or call him at 410-952-5595 with blog comments or ideas, or for more information about Today’s Home Renovations.