If I'd known what being a Grandfather was like.

 

“If I’d known what it was like to be a grandfather, I’d a had them first.” I’ve heard that phrase for many years.

 

In time for the 2021 tax deduction, Braxton Gray Burton entered the life of his mother and father and made me a grandfather. Excited…happy…. elated…. I’d probably have to study The New Oxford Dictionary of English, first edition with 350,000 entries to find the adjective to express the emotions that came with that day. Holding Braxton for the first time created an immediate emotional bond that I will keep tucked in my heart for the balance of my journey.

Looking into his eyes, seeing his little hands spread wide to stretch his fingers, touching his perfect skin, I pondered the many places he would go, the ballgames he would enter, the fish he may catch, the life that he would carve. I watched his mom and dad fall right into being loving parents nurturing his physical and emotional needs.

The experience took my back to 1992 when Braxton’s mother was born. We had our life ahead of us and asked God to guide us as parents. Now, some 28 years later, I am watching this young couple begin to point their child to the saving love of Christ.

 

“If I’d only known….”

 

This grandparent is looking at his daughter and son-in-law and saying you guys are doing a great job. You have created a beautiful child. I am proud of you and love your child more than you can imagine! Thanks for making me Poppy.