Watching Joe & Kathy raise their boys was the best parenting instruction Gail and I could have asked for. We learned patience, perseverance, the value of sticking to your guns, and how a well timed glass of wine or beer (for the parent!) is an appropriate remedy.
Lucky for us Joe is a paramedic. More than a few times we called Joe over to "take a look at this" in regards for a bloody finger (no stitches), a banged head (stitches), etc. Kathy was "911 nextdoor" for Gail to call on with the anxiety of being a new mom. Our kids grew up calling their boys "NeeNee" and "Big Jon" - both of them are 6' plus!
So many years ago we shared countless evenings sitting over bonfires, sharing stories, and developing a friendship that is deep and meaningful. Not to say the years have been paved with rainbows and stress free living. Both families have survived some big stresses - like most families do. It gave me pause last night when we realized that NeeNee is the same age as I was when we moved in. Literally - where did the time go?!
Today, our kids are now 15 & 17, their "boys" are 28 & 30. Both are married, NeeNee to his high-school sweetheart, and Big Jon to a fine young lady from Idaho, and they both are proud parents! That makes Joe & Kathy loving grandparents of two boys, and both daughter-in-laws are expecting again. NeeNee will welcome another son into their lives, and Big Jon will bring - for the first time in a generation - a new baby girl to the family. 2012 is looking to be a great year!
Last night was a blessing in many ways.
Hearing our kids call out "NeeNee" and "Big Jon".
We shared laughs, updates on our lives, got to know Big Jon's wife a little better, and recounted old stories.
Joe gave our son some great insight into a possible college / career path.
We'll survive these teenage years. I just hope the end result is what Joe & Kathy have. What an evening!
