In this Journal, I will attempt to strip away my protective veneer to view and communicate honestly what the truth is as I perceive it. My intent is to grow, for without an honest evaluation of the truth, how else can one fully absorb life's more difficult lessons and benefit by them. If I do this in secret, then I am still hiding behind a protective veneer, so it is being published online. If you find this Journal, you are welcome to read it and hopefully grow from it as well.



Thursday, August 15, 2013

Baby Sitting Cameron and Carina, 8/11/13

On Sunday Anne and I had the pleasure of babysitting our grandchildren, Cameron age 8 and Carina age 5.

Shortly before they joined us for dinner at Ruby's, a family diner, Cameron had a meltdown with his mother and as a punishment, he had his dessert and his shake taken from him. Cameron did the honorable thing and told us of his punishment, which he abided by.

Late in the meal, I encouraged Carina to eat more of her of her macaroni and cheese and she replied, "I take bites when they need to be eaten." This turned out to be the case as she finished all of her macaroni and cheese.

We all had a wonderful time at Ruby's and then returned to our home where I played with the kids in the backyard, as we tossed a ball around and they played on the swing set and on a slide.

Before meeting the kids at Ruby's, Anne and I had attended a neighborhood party, and I asked the kids if they wanted to attend the end of the party with me. Cameron said he did.

When he and I arrived at the home of the neighbor hosting the party, his two large dogs, each of which far outweighed Cameron jumped all over me as I shielded Cameron.

The neighbor grabbed his dogs by their collars and struggled to pull them which he did by yanking them about 10 - 12 feet away. But then he let go of them and they raced back at us. I again shielded Cameron yet this time to my surprise the neighbor didn't stop them from jumping on me, a grandparents' joy.

I carefully backed us out the front door.

Cameron was calm and collected, which is remarkable, but none the less I said to him, "I would never let those dogs hurt you."

We walked home together and when we arrived, as a reward for his calm and courage, I gave him a Hershey bar, which he very much enjoyed.

Afterward Carina selected a movie she felt Cameron would enjoy, "The Three Stooges," (2012) and we enjoyed it together as both children sat close to me and directly across from Anne.

It was a joyful night for all of us, so much so that when their parents arrived the kids didn't want to leave. But they did leave with waves and hugs and kisses for Anne and me.

Dick

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