Life with all its day to day problems is still pretty wonderful when you  learn to appreciate those small moments  which are so very precious. I have learned that life is made up of many things. Yes, worry and heartache are amongst those things but so are wonderfully pleasant happenings or people who have or do grace our lives. Those of us born during or  in the decade after the Second World War are so fortunate to have been born in a time  where life was kinder than it perhaps is for those of the present generation but there is still much to be thankful for if you only take time to appreciate the positives we all share.

We come to understand as we learn to appreciate each positive factor in our lives that even in times of sadness or grief there is an oasis to which we can always retreat to find that strength to face whatever life has thrown our way. Whether it be to a garden, a sea shore, a mountain, our  homes and  families, the arms of an understanding friend, or a retreat into memories of those moments of happiness which surprisingly in retrospect are so many. But the ultimate friend, the friend who will never ever let you down is the friend within.

Anyone who has learned to appreciate solitude and to enjoy one's own company will know what I mean. When those  times come, and they do come to all of us, when we must find the strength to deal with whatever new problem life has thrown in our path this time, having learned to reach into one's self for the strength from within to face those problems  is a refuge which will always  be there. The secret is learning to like yourself and to trust that your instincts will not let you down.

Just holding a tiny helpless baby  and having them snuggle close to you with infinite trust is a memory which will always bring  tender feelings and warmth to your heart as you remember all those times you have been blessed to hold those babies dearest to you when they too trusted and depended on you so very much.

Have you ever seen the glow on a child's face as they peered into a robin's nest to find rather strange looking but very sweet and defenseless new babies  waiting impatiently for their parents to return with the sustenance they seek ? The wonder of new life is brought home to that child without a word being spoken as they quietly observe and then tiptoe quickly away making sure that the sanctity of that haven  is not disturbed. The questions will come later but for now leaving those tiny beings in peace is what matters. Nature is always awesome and magical  and is always  there to be enjoyed if we only take the time to recognize and share it's wonder. 

Nothing will ever surpass the feeling which one can experience in sharing those moments with a small child. Teaching that youngster to treasure the beauty and to cherish nature's gifts which add such bounty to our lives can be so rewarding.

Seeing the excitement in a child's eyes at each new discovery made as the day to day events unfold in their young lives and sharing  the steps they take on that journey are very precious moments.  Being a part of that adventure is truly one of life's compensations for the heartache which we must deal with at times.

For me the knowledge that I have the strength necessary to deal with what ever comes my way is a gift beyond price. One more of the multitude of  lessons for which  I can thank my Grandfather. He taught me to  believe we are never given a problem or heartache for which we are not capable of finding a solution. Perhaps not as we would have preferred but an answer nevertheless  which will allow us to go on and find  a solution  which will ease the pain or worry and give comfort and solace when it is most needed.

 In this modern world of ours we have sacrificed so much in the name of progress. One of the saddest things is the loss of connection between generations. In days gone by grandparents held a treasured place in all our lives. We all learned so much from those family elders. Of our heritage, of the past, and  in a strange way the future. For the lessons learned  from those dear wonderful sages  are lessons which we have carried with us, and reaped the benefits from, each day of our lives. Today's children are being short changed if they are not allowed this privilege.  For it is truly a privilege. The  generation of grandparents who are shunted aside and ignored today except on compulsory desultory  visitations  is mind boggling. How dare we deprive our children of this bounty ? We provide them with every material  object we can afford and rob them of the most priceless gift of all ... their legacy. Somehow there is a terribly sad  imbalance there.

 These irreplaceable family members have so much to give, not only to our children but to us as well. No, I am not talking about  financial rewards  or built in baby sitters or such other irrelevant and insignificant contributions but something infinitely more valuable. The gift of their time and their memories and lessons learned through the many years of their lives. Simply spending time with them teaches our children respect for their elders in addition to  providing them with a learning resource which is priceless. 

The importance of grandparents in the life of little children is immeasurable. A young child with the good fortune  to have grandparents nearby benefits in countless ways .The child has a place to share their joys and sorrows, to find a sympathetic listener or simply to be loved. A child without grandparents can feel the lack of roots and  miss the chance to link  up with the past. Questions and answers about the "old days" locate a child historically in their own small world providing a sense of  inner security and a feeling of belonging.

 As we were growing up so much about our parents was taken for granted. We never really appreciated the sacrifices made or the love shown  to us  as we should have done. Now, when their responsibilities have been long since fulfilled, to discard their contribution which is still there for the taking, borders on utter stupidity to say nothing of  monumental ingratitude.

For me, to even consider never having had the great good fortune to share the many hours with my Grandfather with which I was blessed is a scenario which I cannot even imagine. How I would have survived all these years  without the strength his wisdom taught me is incomprehensible to me. 

Don't deprive your children of this bounty. If you do nothing else by giving them this time with their grandparents you will provide them with a treasure they will cherish more with each passing year. And the reward you will give yourself is one you too will appreciate more with the passing of time as you become the next generation of elders  so willing to give, and so often  alone to regret those things you neglected to do  when your parents needed so much to be welcomed into your adult lives. Continuity only exists if the chain is unbroken. One broken link severs that bond and  although a link can be repaired it leaves the chain  forever weakened. 

 Do this , if not for your parents or yourselves , for your children and for your grandchildren. You will never regret doing so. Make the time for ' family ' even if it is made difficult by your busy lives in this modern world  we have all had a hand in creating. I promise you the rewards are most definitely worth it .