A baby. A beginning. Exciting! Eager anticipation of the end goal: Adulthood! Every growth step welcomed.

If lucky, the journey continues, rewards received: Grandchildren! Cute and cuddly morphing into talented and fun. Finite time parenting yielding eternity of grandparent ecstasy.

Then, horrific awareness. No one prepared us. Grandchildren grow up!

Eileen was dazed when the truth was revealed. Boyfriends, girlfriends, drivers’ licenses, graduations, jobs, even marriages. Suddenly, outings and stories and sleep overs had become history, and the toys have become dust collectors.