This past week my wife’s parents were visiting from
Wisconsin. It was nice to have them here, especially since I hadn’t seen them
in a while. Throughout the week, we also had other visitors; my kids and their families
came by, as did my parents.
One night when everyone was here, several of us were putting
a puzzle together. Some of the grandkids were helping—well, one said he was
helping but what he actually was doing was taking the pieces apart and then
reassembling them. But at least it kept him occupied!
One of the other grandkids was just watching. I asked if he
wanted to help and he said no. I said okay. But he still stood there watching.
A few minutes later, I again asked if he wanted to help. Again, he said no. But
this time he explained his reasoning.
“Putting puzzles together is for old people,” he said.
I laughed, noticing it was mostly the adults who were
working on the puzzle. But then I pointed to the other side of the table where
his brother was busy finding where pieces fit. “He is not old.”
“He’s just practicing so when he gets old he knows how to do
puzzles.”
Well, I couldn’t really argue with that. I think that’s what
we all did; started when we were young and now that we’re “old” we’re using
what we learned. And not just with puzzles. I’m pretty sure that’s how most
things work.
After thinking about it, I told him that I was doing the
same thing—practicing for when I get old. He said, “Grandpa, you don’t need any
more practice.”
I guess he could have meant I’m very good at puzzles but I
think it was just a nice way of saying I’m already old! ~
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