My grandparents and parents always said you could count on a little Easter snap — translated “better watch out ‘Old Man Winter’ may surprise you with an icy blast around Easter.” Usually this old adage rings true, and the cool weather we are enjoying this lovely spring day reminds me that we do well to listen to our elders.

So Robby Penton, listen to your elder. I am not old. I am young and will remain so until I tell you otherwise!

My eldest son told me the other day with a totally straight face, “Mom, I really like this smaller place you’re thinking of getting. When you get old I can mow your grass in no time flat.” When I looked at him incredulously he sheepishly grinned and said, “Well, you know you’re getting old.”

My 4-year-old grandson must have been listening to his dad because he also chimed in the next time I saw him. He was over for a play date yesterday and said, “Gigi, you’re getting old.” I looked at him very seriously and said, “Well Gauge, do I look old?” Thankfully, he answered, “No, but you are!”

I was beginning to get pretty tired of the “old” stuff, so I asked Gauge, “Is your daddy old?”

“Yep. He’s a grown-up, and grown-ups are old.”

This made me feel a little better since his dad is definitely not old. On the flipside I couldn’t help but realize how sweet it was of my son to be thinking about helping his mom out even though it was quite premature!

My grandmother was out pushing a lawn mower when she was probably in her 80s. That spunky mamaw of mine slowed down a little, but she sure didn’t quit. Actually, a rock flew from the mower and caused her to lose an eye. She never complained or thought life was unfair. She just kept looking for the good in people and in her life.

It may sound a little yucky for the fainthearted, but I remember Mamaw taking her glass eye out to put drops in. It was sort of like brushing her teeth, just one of those things she did. I have such fond memories of my grandparents, and watching my two precious grandsons grow up is one of the many pleasures of my life.

Gauge is now old enough to ask to go to “Gigi’s” house, and I think that is the coolest thing ever. He left a message on my answering machine the other day, and I have yet to delete it. Since he was a toddler I have been training him to ask to go to “Gigi’s” house. His parents laugh about it, but I’m sure they enjoy a little time to spend alone.

Time marches on for sure. I’m glad to have such a loving son who thinks of his mom, but really, let’s not get carried away!

Psalm 127:3 (NLT) Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.

Jan Penton Miller can be reached at lilsisjan@yahoo.com.