Grand....Pa

Despite painting a baldy, receding hairline, despite wearing trendy chinos and soft shoes, despite sporting RayBan sunglasses and i-pod, I was brought to my feet on the ground on 12 Mar 2008 with the arrival of my grandson. Overnight I was pushed into the top tier of family system and greeted for becoming 'grandpa'. Between June and August 2008, when I was here in USA, the infant appeared the same with the same routine as I had seen with my two children - to drink milk and to sleep, only to wake up again to drink milk with flashes of smile in between. Our meeting in India in Oct 2008 was short but not much different from the above except some shouts to communicate. But when we met again on 04 Aug 2009 in USA, I saw a new pal in my life. From day one it is me he wants and trusts for everything. I am now his friend to play or feed or listen or console. I am wondering wherefrom I gained so much of patience or grit to put up with all these. Each day starts with his wake-up call and ends with his goodnight kiss. My wife and son are watching my new role in disbelief, especially my 'no tooth grind' face. For me life looks beautiful in this new role. Slowly I have also learnt that the grandpa status brings with it immeasurable thrills and frills, though it deflates the pseudo-young pursuits. Come on everyone, become a grandpa, enjoy the old age !