FanStory.com - Wanted: A Goober for Rentby Debi Pick Marquette

The house was empty. I found myself staring out the window more and more as I went about my usual daily activities. I would do a little FanStory time, and after about an hour, my pattern was always to get up to stretch my legs. Then I try to do one job before the pain would force me back into my chair.

I was so thankful now that I often seemed to be getting a few more minutes each time before having to sit again. But I was just as grateful that when I sat down, I had something to do besides watch television. My FS family was always there, as I so often found out when I couldn't sleep. I loved that I could reach out at any time and always find a short poem to review or post a story or poem of my own. I love this place and the people from all over the world.

There was a different feeling today. I was off; I felt like something was missing or terribly wrong.

I wondered if it wasn't because now, with it being so nice outside, Glen was able to get more work done and hadn't been coming in until the dinner hour.

I waited for this all winter. Why would that bother me now? I should be celebrating, finally getting more Debi alone time.

But the cloud on this sunny day just kept hanging over my head. I looked out the window and thought about how nice it would be to go for walks like I used to years ago. Before my lupus had taken over so much of my life.

Yet, I had so much to be thankful for because at least I am walking some after having two surgeries last summer, and they did say it could take a year or better. Things were going in the right direction and I did feel blessed.

I have never been the type to feel sorry for myself, but I just couldn't put my finger on what was bothering me. Opening windows had always been a day brightener for me, and even that didn't seem to be making a difference.

Then I heard something outside, and I saw my grandson (Carter, aka Goober, Goobs, goofball) pull up with his four-wheeler. All of a sudden, my day didn't feel so lonely; I got up out of my chair with a little more ease. When I went to the kitchen to unlock the door, I felt the breeze coming through the window and noticed the extra birds in the bird feeder. All I knew was that within one minute from the time I saw him pull into the yard, my whole disposition had changed.

I realized I had not seen or heard from any of the kids since Mother's Day, which was only six days ago, but Jason, Mel, and the boys lived next door, and I was used to seeing them during the week.

But with so much going on at the end of the school year and the fact that they were all growing up so fast, I knew it was just a matter of time before it would continue to be longer and longer between visits. I had tried to prepare myself for it but chose instead to enjoy it while I still had an 11 and 12-year-old who loved spending time with Grandma. And I did enjoy the other two who were both turning twenty within the next few months, and the middle two who were now driving. I guess every age is special, just as every grandchild is.

When he walked into the house, the first thing he did was give me a big hug and a 'How ya doing, Grandma?" I told him I was doing much better now that I got to see his sweet face. He immediately asked if anything was wrong, and I said maybe I was just going through some Goobs withdrawal. Nothing a bit of time with him wouldn't cure. He said he could only stay for about a half hour but would be over more when school got out for the summer.

He did stay long enough to see the smile he put on my face turn into hysterical laughter as he continued to crack me up with his jokes and account of how things were going at school. This boy has been our little comedian ever since he was about three years old. That was about the same time that his dad nicknamed him Goober. It fit him back then, and it still does to this day.

And just as he had me laughing to the point of tears, our time was up, and he had to go home to help his dad. As I watched him pull out of the driveway, I was still smiling and appreciating that time with him, as short as it was.

And as I sat back down to reflect a little on my new attitude for the day, I thought about how many people at any age would feel happier, perkier, and brighter and maybe even healthier if they had a little more to smile about. A smile a child brings is the most incredible smile in the entire world, and yet so many people live in nursing homes, VA facilities, and even with their families and are still feeling alone.

I did some research and found over 80% of people with grandchildren say they increase their joy immensely and decrease the stress that causes many illnesses.

I know the void I needed to have filled at just the right time today came in the package of a twelve-year-old goofball.

With that being said, every generation seems to have a

"kids nowadays"stigma. But this generation came with a whole new set of problems. We hear some say they don't have enough to keep them busy, lack of respect for others, and not enough one on one skills. Also they have too much screen time; tv, electronics and technology.

Volunteering is an awesome way parents can join with their children to show the importance of some of those things you can't learn in school. Did you know there are as many kids without a grandparent as aging seniors without a grandkid?

Years ago, when my dad was alive and living in a VA facility, my kids and their kids would see him, then visit the other vets on that floor. They always drew and colored the veteran a picture of a child and grandparent holding hands and told them it was the two of them. The veterans were always excited to hang it on the wall beside their beds. Many times they were in tears and asked for a hug before the kids left. Then before the kids went, they would line up by the door, salute and say, "Thank you for your service."

They found something more significant than a social media account. It was more like a social reality account. They brought joy into the life of an elderly veteran who truly needed it.
We were told by the nurses that many never have anyone come to visit them. I remember going with them into the rooms a few times and what a reward was given and received by both the veteran and my grandkids. I couldn't even tell you who had the bigger smile on their face or laughed the hardest.

I don't ever want to be without the health benefits children bring, because I have had miracles handed to me many times. I believe they are partly due to God's Little Angels we call grandchildren. So, I eagerly await the next generation called great grandkids.

I can't seem to slow down the clock and keep either the kids or myself from getting older while I wait for the greats. So at some point, I may have to find a substitute myself for a while and maybe even put an ad in the paper that says something like this:

"WANTED~A GOOBER FOR RENT"