Hey Little Bear

Hey Little Bear ... Nice to meet you ... How are you today?

I'm sure you don't understand, at least not right now, what you mean to all of us. But please know that we love you very much and wish the very best for you in your life ahead.

As one of your grandpas, I have been thinking a lot about what you might need from me in the days to come, and I think I have come up with at least a partial list.

I know from my own experiences that you will someday need someone to seek out for those man-to-man talks you may not feel comfortable talking with mom and dad about. Before that time comes, I'm sure we'll have opportunities to just walk hand-in-hand and explore this world you've been born into. I can use that time to do my best to answer any questions you may have.

I'll be there to help fix your toys when they're broken and teach you how to hold a puppy and how to play fair. Lessons from grandpa will also include how to bait and cast a fishing line and how to throw a baseball or football. We may also spend time together playing Scrabble or pitch, but you'll have to ask someone else to teach you how to play chess. And on cold winter days we can see what kind of snowmen we can build.

I suppose in your younger days you'll need a lap to sit on from time to time, and I'm guessing there will be times when we snuggle in my big chair until we doze off in front of the television together.

We'll share our dreams of "some day" and hope those dreams come true. If you ask, I'll impart bits of wisdom I've learned throughout my many years.

If you need me, I'll provide a shoulder to help mend your heart when it gets broken -- as it will from time to time. I'll try my best to teach you that it's no disgrace for a man to shed tears.

I'll reinforce what your dad and mom tell you about life as a believer and about what it means to be a child of God. Those are the most important lessons of all ... But there will be time for that later.

Most of all I want you to know that I will always do my best to be there for you whenever you need me.

After all, isn't that what grandpas are for?