Some words from Pop (Part 2)

As promised, here is part 2 in the series. I have some more of Dad's columns squirreled away and this is so much easier than actually coming up with my own blog entry...who knows maybe we'll make it a regular feature here at Garrett News!? In case you missed part one, take a look.

Welcome to grandson Sam

Sam, welcome little man.

This is your Pop writing. You can thank your older brother Jack for hanging that name on me. That's the privilege of being the first grandchild. Don't worry. There are a lot of benefits to being No. 2.

For one thing, Jack did a pretty good job of breaking in your parents. They've endured their share of late nights and early mornings. Your mommy, I call her Laura by the way, has mastered the art of transporting little people. If she's ever been caught unprepared, I've yet to see it.

I'd like to say that I can take some credit for that. But more likely she inherited that mommy gene from your Mema.

The more I look at you Sam, the more I see your mother's features. Folks say she looks like me. You can tell me later whether you consider that a compliment or curse.

I don't know what your future holds, but even just a few hours old you gave your Pop an unforgettable thrill.

Not a roller-coaster thrill. But a thrill that reaches down deep where the tender parts are and coaxes forth teary eyes and bliss and peace and utter joy. Thanks.

Sam, you count on me to be honest with you, except in matters related to certain fanciful creatures of childhood (see Train, Thomas the). So I must confess that I was a little worried about our first meeting. Blame that on brother Jack.

I was unprepared for the overwhelming emotion that swept over me when I held young Jack for the first time, Nov. 28, 2007. I had officially become a grandfather. Hey, it happens to millions of people everyday, but it's still a special event.

Sam, I was just a little worried that holding you for the first time would not hold the same joy. I should have known better.

Particularly since I fathered three children, and that never got old. Already you are teaching me some things about life.

Sam, I am going to leave the heavy lifting of child rearing to your parents. They don't have all the experience in the world yet, but they seem to know what they are doing. I have a sneaking suspicion that they will be able to find the wherewithal to handle two boys in poopypants.

But, Sam, I am going to try to teach you some important truths.

Like how to make sounds like a barking dog (that would be Go Dawgs, sic' em, woof, woof, woof!) Maybe how to play a harmonica. How to hit a wiffle ball. And one of these days we might get around to golfshoes. It's a beach game, and that's all you need to know right now.

But really the thing that I want you to learn is that the greatest place in the world is Pop's and Mema's house.

One thing I have to warn you about, Sam, is the aforementioned Jack. Sam, I guarantee that he will exasperate you. Hey, I know it's a big word, but get used to it. Your Pop and your Mommy are a couple of wordsmiths.

Back to Jack. You are going to have to cut him a little slack. He has pretty much been the center of the world up there in Mt. Airy, Ga. And now you show up to horn in on things. It will be good for both of you.

Samuel Boyd Garrett, welcome. I am so looking forward to being part of your world.

Blake Giles is the editor of The Oconee Enterprise. Opinions expressed are those of the writer.