Richard F. Miniter is the author of The Things I Want Most, Random House, BDD. The father of six and grandfather of six he lives and writes in the colonial era hamlet of Stone Ridge, New York, blogs at richardfminiterblog.com and can also be reached at miniterhome@aol.com
I once wanted no part of grandchildren. Indeed when my daughter and son-in-law announced that our first grandchild was in the works I toppled into despair. Did I look like I was old enough to be a grandfather? My hair was still red, well sorta but otherwise I was in every sense a vigorous guy. So I made the next nine months a misery for my wife. How dare your daughter do this to me!
And on the big day I walked into the hospital room leering a Dracula grin.
My daughter was in bed holding the baby and when I shuffled over she surprised me by simply holding the tiny bundle out for me to take. Reflex took over and I did, looked at this brand new little girl and immediately put her down — in my heart. I was in love. Transported. And in later years I was carried off by every other one which came along in much the same way.
