Reason to Believe
Why would grandchildren make any difference in my life? What is there in witnessing the growth of child to adult, once-removed, that should should stir emotions already invested? Some questions can only be answered with time.
Grandchildren gained through adoption were the beginning of a gradual softening of that reticence. Witnessing their accomplishments from a perspective that has evolved with age, I understand their paths are laced with trials that compound with each generation. My concern for their future is no less, is perhaps greater, than the same I’ve had for my own children. My love for them certainly is no less.
Then came the birth of a granddaughter, and another, their eyes holding a depth of innocence that has melted this heart of mine. With that love and concern, my questions have been answered.
Reading what I have just written, I now believe.
This is my response to Some Prosery Cheer!, the prompt from Lillian at dVerse ~ Poets Pub. With Prosery, the challenge is to write a piece of flash fiction with a 144-word limit. I suppose this could be seen as fiction. Included in the bit of prose is to be a complete line from a poem. For this prompt, the line to be included is from “Afterword,” by Louise Glück. (the complete poem can be found here)
“Reading what I have just written, I now believe”
– Louise Glück
I’ve met the additional challenge of hitting the 144-word mark, exactly.
rivrvlogr 
Reason to believe indeed. This is a beautiful story. The heart has the capacity to expand…through birth, through adoption, through marriage. That’s the beautiful thing about love, it can grow exponentially.
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And it does. Thank you, Lillian.
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A beautiful, impactful story. I love the experiences you recall and it’s so touching, heartwarming. Brilliant piece. ❤ ❤
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Thank you, Lucy. Some things write themselves.
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So tender and heartfelt, Ken. Sometimes you have to experience something to believe like this. Lovely! ❤️
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Thank you, Merril. This is a bright moment in these times.
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Yes, something to hold onto.
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Ken, I’m appreciating your recent focus on family. Everything else is a distant second.
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That it is. Thank you, Lisa.
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You’re welcome.
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Nice work, KG. It’s obvious you’re very family-focused these days, as ( I suppose) one ought to be.
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Thank you, Ron. Always important, family seems more so these days.
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Bang on, brother. I married a woman with 3 young daughters, and 30 years later, I outlived their biological father, enjoy their love and support, and adore my 9 grandchildren.
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Thank you, Glenn. Yes, family is family.
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Most blended family stories end well. My son gained 3 children and now grandchildren whom he loves dearly, and who love him the same.
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❤ A love story.
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This is beautiful prosery … ending it with the prompt sentence, the perfect touch.
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Thank you, Helen. 🙂
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Enjoyed reading this, sensing a progression of heart opening wider, wider (I guess maybe the mind also opening wider, wider?) Kids certainly make good catalysts for anyone willing to explore new perspectives! Especially infants through age 10 or so. The youngest grandchild in my realm turns 5 this week – there’s a collective sigh about “no babies anymore”. Hope you get to visit that granddaughter again soon.
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Thank you, Jazz. Yes it was a progression, but I also think it was there all along, waiting to be found.
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A progression of awareness …
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Nothing like a doting grandfather. Congrats.
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🙂 Thank you.
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Such a beautiful write Ken! This is wonderful and so true!
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Thank you, Dwight. 🙂
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you are welcome.
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There is nothing like family, and each generation expands the love. (K)
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That it does.
Thank you, Kerfe.
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How wonderful. Thanks for sharing Ken
Much❤love
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A beautiful story Ken and your grandchildren are truly blessed with a grandfather like you.
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I hear you, Ken! I never thought my daughter would have a child. At first, I didn’t think she wanted to get married, but then she found the right person. She talked about having children, but it didn’t seem as if it was going to happen, and I started to think I would never experience being a grandmother. I’m so glad I have my grandson.I agree with Merril, you have to experience something to believe.
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Beautiful take on the prompt, Ken: my dad has the same perspective about my kids. I hope to have it too, one day (but not too soon 😅)
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Thank you, Ingrid. Love has many ways of finding us.
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This is incredibly heart-stirring! 💝 Your grandchildren are very lucky indeed to have a grandfather like you 🙂
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Thank you, Sanaa. I’m certainly thankful for them.
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I love this. How often do I have to write through my situations to unravel what I truly believe?
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Thank you. 🙂
It’s a way to supplement or experience.
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Without any children of my own, I can only imagine that growing feeling of tenderness towards a grandchild.. I need to see the same in other ways…
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There is value in every one of our connections.
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