What would we do without our friends and family?

This story A Grandfather’s Perspective is the first in my Friends and Family series.

Did you know that if you google “Who is the nicest guy in the world?” my dad is listed third?

Here are his thoughts about his relationship with Matthew.

My grandson, Matthew, and I like each other and we get along just fine. He tests me now and then, like any teenager or young adult, and I tighten up when necessary, but as we got through our regular routines it’s usually “OK, Grandpa” and me move right along. We established certain schedules years ago and they have become as important to me as they are to him.

I live in Carmel, California, and before Matthew’s visits – always on a Wednesday – I pick up three helium balloons, red, yellow and blue. He rushed into the house and makes a banner on clear plastic with things like PEBBLE BEACH GOLF! Or BUY UNION 76! The banner is connected to the balloons, and we go off to the sand dunes above the main beach, ready for launch! He waits for the right gust of wind, and up go the balloons and banner for all to see. We are transfixed be the flight and then, when out of sight, wonder where the balloons are now. Monterey? Carmel Valley? Big Sur? Sometimes hung up in a tree – no matter.

We then study the surf and decide when he can swim, usually tomorrow, depending on the undertows, riptides, and “bone crushers”. Then back to the house in time to work with the gardeners. As important as I am to Matthew, the gardeners get top billing and he helps them rake, trim, and blow. They, of course, have become good friends and are impressed with his t-shirt, SHUMAKER LANDCAPING.

First thing in the morning, down to the same sand dunes with three sticks, roughly four feet long, and he plants them precisely in a pattern known only to him, but so they can be seen from the upstairs window of our house. Sort of a Christo thing.

Sticks planted, then off to the bakery, “Two cinnamon rolls, please. One with raisins, one without.” And along the way we study plants and trees. He files away their names and characteristics with great concern whether or not they are poisonous. We are still searching for a specimen of Deadly Night Shade.

There are comments, of course, when he is short on social skills, but he is always friendly and tries to start conversations with strangers. Often there is no response and the stranger looks away and hurries on. Sometimes, though, nice people with a glimpse of understanding of the situation will stop and chat and that really puts a smile on the day.

Sure, Matthew is “Different”, but aren’t we all, to some degree? He notices things that “normal” people skip through life without seeing. Friends in his community in nearby Santa Cruz accept each other without question and there are many talents there that you and I will never understand.

When Matthew was about four he liked to put his arms around trees, and then look up with a happy smile. He’s on to other things now, but sometime when nobody is watching, hug a tree yourself, and look up. You’ll be surprised at what you see.

Phil Bowhay
Carmel, California

Laura

Laura Shumaker writes every Friday for 5 minutes for special needs. Visit her website www.laurashumaker.com.