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A Grand Father's Day Call
It's fitting that the phone call came a few days before Father's Day. When the phone rang Thursday evening, I checked the caller ID and the screen showed: "Gagnon, Erik, Cohoes." I thought this a bit unusual since we had already had our weekly Monday night phone call.
My "Hello" was followed by Erik's words: "Do you want to be a grandfather?" What followed was an audible gulp, an effort to get rid of the lump in my throat, and my loud yell, "What?"
Erik went on to explain that his wife Sarah had just brought home the news that there will be a new Gagnon in the family. How can it be that my little kid is going to be a father? Wasn't it just a year or two ago that we were playing "Hall of Fame catches" in the backyard and splashing around in the pool playing "100 Catches" with a spongeball?
Sure, he's 28 years old, but he's not really 28; he's that kid I took to Old Orchard Beach and that kid I led through the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, trying to explain to him why the Dodgers were better than the Yankees. He settled for the Mets.
Now my kid is going to be a father! And, I'm going to be a grandfather! For a guy like me who often thinks he's a 25-year-old instead of a 59-year old, the word "grandfather" can be a bit overwhelming. I mean, I used to have two grandfathers, and now I'll be one? My grandfathers were old, with bald heads, grey whiskers and pot bellies. Is that really me?
There are training manuals out there that might attempt to teach my son about how to be a good father. But the real lessons are already over. I learned about fathering from my own Dad. He was a man who was never too tired after a day of climbing telephone poles to grab a baseball bat and hit me some grounders. He was a man who was mighty good at giving "man-to-man talks" in his bedroom if I ever strayed from the house rules.
I learned lots about being a Dad for Erik from my own Dad. I learned about the importance of a family vacation. Even if money was tight, it was good to get away as a family and have fun. I never saw my Dad take a drink of alcohol until I was out of high school. And as he was growing up, whenever Erik was in my presence, I never drank alcohol in front of him. Erik doesn't drink alcohol today. Being a Dad was always having time for your son, even if that meant giving up that comfortable recliner to go for a ride for ice cream.
Today, Father's Day, I think of my own Dad -- the best! And I reflect on my own days as a father for Erik. And now, my own son, will be a Dad. His Father's Day greeting just arrived and, in part: "I just want to tell you that, since I'm going to be a father now, I hope I can be as good a father as you are to me."
Being a father is something special. But me, a grandfather? Now that's something else. Am I ready for that when I still think I'm 25?
Comments
Foxy, Congrats, and welcome to the future world of Grandparenting!! I consider myself younger than you, but my Wife, (who says's she's much younger than both of us) and I, have lived through the blessed event 11 times, including a set of month old triplets, all Girls!!
The farthest ones live in the North Country, in Plattsburgh, and in Redford, and unfortunately we only get to see them every couple of years. They still know they're loved by us. Others live in NC, Iowa, and the ones we see the most, 1 yr old Anna, lives down the road about 10 miles, and 5 of them, including the triplets, live about 2 hours away, in Austin, Mn.
It's always a joy to see 4yr old Emma, and 2yr old Isabel, light up when we see them, and you can hear the love in their voice, when they ask to talk to us on the phone, even if it's just to say "Hi Poppa".
The best thing I always say about being a Grandparent, is to spoil them, and love them, but also teach values you've learned, from days gone by, that may be lost in today's society!! Still looking for a Grandson, but just maybe at least 2 of the girls will turn out Tomboys!! Enjoy it!!!
Posted by: sparcat | June 22, 2007 7:29 AM
Miss d, I will be visiting in mid-July. Just in time for the Stowaways Reunion on July 14.
Just how many of the 500+ pictures that I have taken already do you want to see of my Granddaughter, Cate? Foxy, be sure you have a lot of storage for your digital camera!
I look forward to seeing you and all my family and friends very soon. Plattsburgh and the foxhill neighborhood still feels like home and a wonderful vacation destination.
Posted by: Elaine from Orlando | June 21, 2007 9:05 AM
A note to Elaine in Florida - Congrats to you on your new granddaughter - I can't wait to see pictures of her! Make sure we get together when you next visit P'burgh. miss d
Posted by: miss d | June 20, 2007 10:58 AM
Congratulations Foxy, the magic for you and the family has started with that special phone message from your son. It will only get more exciting as each month passes and the miracle happens! That Special Son or Daughter! Your Son or Daughter will hand you that very special gift and ask you hold the baby tight! With pride and tears! You whisper to the baby! Hi I Am Foxy! Your Grandpa!!! Enjoyed and again congratulations! Lenny
Posted by: Lenny Smallacombe | June 20, 2007 8:23 AM
CONGRATULATIONS Foxy!! You will most certainly be an awesome Grandpa. I know I got into the job of "grandparent" earlier in life than you did but believe me when I say that my grandbabies are the light and laughter in my life on a daily basis. It's okay for you to be "25" and be a grandpa.....it just means that you have to stretch your heart a little wider to let the little one in. That's going to be one lucky kid! Congrats to you and Erik.
Posted by: Kathy | June 20, 2007 2:53 AM
From way down in GA..and from the bottom of my heart..Congratulations Foxy! Like some of the others, I too am a grandpa. When you have grandchildren you start to fully realize the part you play in the continuation of life. I have two grandsons, 4 and 5...and I'm not ashamed to admit my heart skips a beat everytime I hear them call me Grandpa...it is truly a mind blowing moment. Unfortunately for us, our two grandsons live just south of DC where our daughter has been a teacher for 6 years now. Fortunately though, we do see them as often as possible..and even more fortunate is my son-in-law, although a great guy and a computer genious (miss d don't ever tell him I said that)..he is also the most unathletic guy there is. So, of course Grandpa bought them both their first football..baseball glove..etc. etc. :)
Posted by: Chief | June 19, 2007 11:01 PM
Foxy,
Congratulations! being a Grampa is hard to imagine with us being so young. When Keith and his wife had our grandson Kasey, he asked what he should call me. I said how about "OLDER DAD"!
(Foxy's note: Good answer, Denny!)
Posted by: Denny Kane | June 19, 2007 4:49 PM
Congratulations Foxy from one Grandfather to another! Cohoes is not far from where my grandson was till the recent move to Tampa. I think of my grandchildren everyday and wish I could see them more now there is even a greater distance than from Plattsburgh to Balston Lake! My daughter asked me if when I retire if I would move down to Tampa to be near them. I don't do Fla. well in the summer! But I told her you can bet I'll be there every Spring!! By the way I had always told my son-in-law that I would be there to help them move if he moves East or North but WHY FLA TAMPA ? A little added advise make sure he or she throws lefty. Be good to you Beef
(Foxy's note: Yes, a lefty would be great, Beef!)
Posted by: BRENNER3 | June 19, 2007 1:18 PM
Congratulations, Foxy. I am very happy to hear the good news.
Just 10 weeks ago I became a grandmother for the first time. I dream of all the things we will do together. My wish is that she will have as much fun with me as I will have with her. Life is good and grandchildren make it even better!
Cate’s Grandmother
Posted by: Elaine from Orlando | June 19, 2007 12:17 PM
Foxy,
Congratulations Grandpa to be. Looks like the next generation of statman or statgirl is ready to follow Grandpa Fox from pressbox to pressbox. Maybe he or she can take over for that bum in Beekmantown.
Craig Mathews
Posted by: Craig Mathews | June 18, 2007 7:48 PM
"Grampa fox "has a nice ring to it!!!!....and you're right - your father was the best!..remember him well at all those OLVA foxes games...good luck, can't wait until he or she asks, "why's grampa got a pony tail?? you'll be a terrrific grand parent.. Congrats!!
(Foxy's note: You make a good point, the carver! Maybe that ponytail will have to go -- we don't want the kid confused between grandpa and grandma!)
Posted by: the carver | June 18, 2007 5:38 PM
Congratulations, Grandpa Gagnon!
You will be an awesome grandfather! Just like you are an incredible educator and a terrific father. Your ability to project your youthful 25-year-old enthusiasm into the hearts of others is what makes you more than qualified to be a grandfather. The only thing that will change is the new little person you get to share all your life experiences with, AGAIN!
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Kern!)
Posted by: Kern | June 18, 2007 3:10 PM
Foxy! I couldn't be happier for you! My kids are just 11 and 15 and Jim's father, Jerry Leonard, couldn't be a better grandfather to them. Their time with them is so precious. I never knew either of my grandfathers so your grandchild is a lucky person, indeed. Especially to have YOU for a grandparent, how awesome is that?! You must have done something right with your son if he's with the Mets. Too bad about the Yankee thing, though. Well, you're almost the perfect parent, anyway . I'm so happy for you, Foxy, I really am.
(Foxy's note: I'll be sure to ask Jerry for some "how to be a grandpa" tips!)
Posted by: Rebecca Leonard | June 18, 2007 1:14 PM
Foxy:
Congratulations !!!! Perhaps you may want to return to the classroom to help conduct some of those famous Grandparent's Day sessions that the students and grandparents enjoyed so much.
P.S. Cohoes is a nice place for a kid to grow and it's only 2 hours and 8 minutes away !
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Vin ... and you're right about Cohoes being so close ... with great restaurants and even some minor league baseball!)
Posted by: Vin Scully | June 18, 2007 10:46 AM
Congrats on the news Gramps.
Gary Carter Gagnon sounds like a good name for a boy.
(Foxy's note: You might just have picked it! But Grandma's favorite player was the handsome Larry Parrish, so maybe Gary Larry Gagnon?)
Posted by: Rick K | June 18, 2007 9:10 AM
Wow Foxy - now you're REALLY talking my language! One cannot believe they can love anyone as dearly as their child until the grandchild makes his/her way into the world! Ken and I are fortunate enought to have 3 wonderful grandchildren who make us smile every day - I think the best part of being a grandparent is that we really know not to sweat the small stuff, i.e., a popsicle for breakfast once in awhile will have no major impact on graduation (the challenge is to convince our children of that!). When you hear your grandchild laugh right from the bottom of his/her toes - you know your life is complete. I am so happy for you - that's two hugs you have coming! Your friend, miss d
(Foxy's note: Can't wait to see you, miss d!)
Posted by: miss d | June 17, 2007 9:45 PM
Congratulations, Foxy! Visited with Doc today on Father's Day and talked about quite a few things. Grandchildren are apparently very precious and time consuming if done right! You will be an outstanding grandparent!
(Foxy's note: Thanks ... I guess everyone sees me doing the grandpa bit... but I thought I was only 25!)
Posted by: The Donald | June 17, 2007 8:25 PM
Mazel-Tov. Thats, congratulations in Yiddish. We just became grandparents and it's a wonderful feeling.
Keep up the good work Foxy, your blogs convey memories of my youth and those many visits to Plattsburgh.
(Thanks, Norm -- Geezum Crow -- that's North Country English for "I can't believe I'm going to be a grandfather!")
Posted by: norm | June 17, 2007 4:32 PM
FOXY:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Your life has just changed and you are going to love it. When we became fathers we had no manual, we only knew that we had added responsibilities and that we had to make sure that we worked hard and provided for our wife and children, as best we could. NOW, you are a grand-father and will find that you will have more quality time to spend with your grandchild than you did with Erik because now you can relax and play and when the "new offspring" gets fussy he goes back to Erik or Mommy. Erik has replaced you as the father. Get ready to enjoy a new life experience and embrace it wholeheartedly. You better keep gas in the tank because you are going to want to be in Cohoes more than Plattsburgh OR you will be bugging Erik and Sarah to come back to the 'burgh."
(Foxy's note: Thanks for the sage words, Mike!)
Posted by: Mike Mannix | June 17, 2007 10:44 AM