Grandma’s Brag Book-Part 1

14 years ago this month, my first grandchild was born. He was named Samuel Evan but as he grew he demanded that we call him Sammy. That lasted for a couple of years but now he is simply Sam. When Sam was 3 and a half, his sister was born. Before she was even born, he had named her Kudos. Obviously that name didn’t stick—thank goodness.

When Sam was about 2 his Grandma turned him on to ice hockey. Even though he couldn’t skate, he played many a game in the living room while we looked on and cheered. We even had to sing the National Anthem before each “game”. When we took him to real live hockey games, he loved the action but loved the Zamboni more. As he got older, his interest in hockey waned but he did become interested in soccer, baseball and football. He has now dropped soccer and football to concentrate on baseball during the summer season. But if you asked him what he lives for, he will tell you winter and snow boarding. Interestingly enough though, one of his favorite places is Sanibel Island, Florida. Not a lot of snow boarding down here!! He has been coming down here at least once a year since he was 18 months old. We live in a combination trailer park and campground. The owner has a huge collection of exotic birds, lemurs, and iguanas. It always seems that the minute Sam arrives, he and his sister jump on their bikes and head down to see the birds.

The past two years for his birthday, we have given him money then he and grandma go shopping together. Last year he spent the weekend with us in Findlay. We went to a BGSU hockey game on Friday night, shopped on Saturday AM, went to a tailgate and BG football game Saturday PM, then more shopping on Sunday before I drove him home across the state. He told me it was one of the best times he had ever had. Nothing could make a grandma feel better. This year he and his dad came for Homecoming at BGSU, then Sam and I went shopping together. Another great time together.

I can’t believe that he is 14 already and in 8^th grade. Where do the years go? Wasn’t it just yesterday that my son placed his first born in my arms when he was just minutes old? Sam, I miss the little guy who loved to ride around on his little truck at my house but I am so proud of the young man you have become. I just wish you would smile for your pictures like you used to. :-)