38 Rocks

38 rocks. That’s the number of rocks you let Kylan pick up during your hike over Christmas. As Trav was trying to rush him along, you held his hand gently. You would let him stop every 2 steps to pick up more. Every time Kylan picked up more rocks, you would just say “Great! Wonderful!” 38 rocks that I will never look at the same.

We would joke that the birth of your first grandson, Talan David, made your strong New York spirit turn into a soft teddy bear. I will still never forget you and mom coming into my room with bagels and fruit trays and I don’t know what other food but it was enough to feed an army. And then the video camera tripod. I feel like there was a tripod there but that could be my sarcastic, exaggerated memory taking over. Either way, no one can deny the excitement you had awaiting for his arrival.

You and Talan formed an indescribable bond. You were the reason for his love of fish. Whether it was feeding your fish, going to Underwater World at the Mall of America, or watching Finding Nemo, over and over and over again. You helped create his love of fish.

You would pick him up every Tuesday or Wednesday when he got a little older to have some Talan time. Just the 2 of you. You signed him up for karate and brought him to all his classes. I don’t know if it was more fun having him in karate or receiving texts of videos or pictures and watching you loving your time with him. Everything that little boy did was celebrated. Everything.

Then it all had to stop. As you would tell people if you couldn’t think of the right words to say, you “lost part of your brain.” You couldn’t drive, and when you got the go ahead, you would only drive yourself for short errands, but the bond between the two of you continued.

Then there’s our Grayson James. You loved him just as much.

You were our saving grace when he became the middle child one week after turning 2. You were the reason transitioning from 2 to 3 kids seemed so smooth. We were blessed to have lived with you during this time and he was definitely your side kick. Grayson quickly became the child I was. As long as I could find a lap, I was happy. Grayson always found you. You’d let him follow you around the house. All. Day. Long.

Next up was Kylan Jack. He was nothing but “delightful” and “wonderful” to you. You never saw his difficulties. On some level I think you relate to each other quite well and you have this understanding of each other that melts my heart. You have become quite the two-some when you’re together.

And last…Isla Amelia Lynn. She too was only “so funny,” and “delightful.” You would never say she’s sassy or a stinker. ALL of your grandkids were just “delightful” to you. I pray they hold onto the fierce love you had for all of them the rest of their lives.

Our relationship may have started out a bit rocky. I was a young, sick, sad, angry, and broken high school ‘MN nice girl’ and you were an incredibly intelligent businessman from New York. Well, CA at the time, but I like to point out the New York side 😉 You never gave up on me. For that I thank you.

“Family isn’t defined only by last names or by blood. It’s defined by commitment and love.” ~Dave Willis

Thank you for my two bonus sisters and for loving our big blended family fiercely.

38 rocks. I will make sure Kylan hears that story often. When I feel like I’m losing it and at the brink of no more patience, I’ll take a deep breath and remember…38 rocks.