Celebrate good times, come on. It’s a celebration! These song lyrics come to mind today as we enjoy the 16 years of memories my handsome grandson has gifted us with.

Sixteen years ago today, we welcomed an olive-skinned, dimpled little man into the world. I always laughingly say that I saved his life from the throes of modern medicine. Actually, I am so thankful that a little grandma wisdom helped in a tense situation.

Aidan was all of a day old when the team of experts decided that something pretty serious was going on. They called in specialists to study his case and decide what measures to take since Aidan had no sucking reflex. He was in the newborn intensive care unit, and the situation appeared grave.

I stood in the background listening to the dire prospects from the neonatal specialist. Suddenly, it occurred to me that I knew what to do. I quietly, but confidently stepped up to the doctor and said, “I think I know how to help.”

The doctor looked shocked, but listened attentively. “Give me the baby, I said. I proceeded to unwrap his blanket and take off his clothes with the doctor’s expression taking on a startled, but interested look. “It has occurred to me that Aidan does know how to suck. He’s just groggy and sleepy from the drugs administered during the C-section,” I said.

Next, I asked the nurse for a washcloth and instructed her to wet it with cold water. Then I took the cold rag and bathed Aidan with it making him very angry. His face reddened, and he let out a squeal. When he was fully awake, and equally angry I said, “Give me a bottle.”

To the doctor’s amazement Aidan latched onto the bottle and sucked away. Every now and then he fell asleep, and I got the cold rag out again. The doctor stuttered, “I can’t believe it; l’ll have to remember this for other patients.”

It seems so funny that with all their medical training this specialists missed the obvious. Grandmas know things. It’s usually good to listen to your grandma.

Whether he’s sitting next to me in church, jogging off the football field, or speaking in his funny, fake German accent, he makes me smile. Many years and many fond memories later we celebrate the life of Aidan Deville, a young man who is respectful and kind. He adds so much joy to our lives, as well as the lives of all who know him.

 

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