My Uncle Paul who died last year at 98, once said to me, “Duct Tape is the greatest replacement for skill ever invented”. He then went on a litany of uses for it that proved his point. The best/worst example I ever saw of Duct Tape adapted to another function, was someone who did their entire convertible roof with Duct Tape, and then spray painted it red. I am remembering that the astronauts from Apollo 13 saved their lives with a Duct Taped vent. All of this is to offer an homage to that silver tape that saves the day.
I got a phone call this week from my grandson Mattias who was in desperate need of a ride from Denver to Pueblo, to meet up with his friend Vaughan for a day of skiing at Monarch. He is visiting our daughter Amy for three weeks between semesters. Every car in their household was tied up and so what the heck. I could drive him down there—a 120 miles each way—to Pueblo and then go pick him up on Friday. We had a great ride, there is a magic that happens in the car when headphones are off, and the scenery is Colorado.
Anytime I get a phone call from one of my grandkids that begins like this, “Grandpa I was wondering…”, I know that an ask is coming… and the truth is I love it. And if I can find a way I am usually an easy mark.
In 1981 I moved back to Pueblo with a seven year—old and a four year—old. I was a single dad who came to depend on my parents for all kinds of help. They were always there for my kids. Amy, now 51 said, “Grandma Pat was the most important person in my life during that time. She always had time for me and we had fun”. My Dad, was entertainment director, always willing to drive, help, fish, take to Dairy Queen or whatever else those two kids needed. Clearly my parents were life savers.
I have now lived long enough to be in the same position for my own kids and grandkids… and I love it. Last night I got a call from 17 year—old Zoe, “Grandpa we have two extra places at Casa Bonita, would you and Grandma Mary Kay like to join us”? Game on!!! Then this morning I get a phone call from her again, “Grandpa I left my backpack in your car and it has my script for play practice in it. I need to be at Arvada West at 8:30 and I was wondering if you could figure out how to get it to me”? “No problem Zoe, I was headed to Denver and I will just leave 15 minutes early”. I delivered the back pack and got a through-the-car-window hug.
I was talking to a friend about all the ways our parents had helped us with our kids. It was a universal Amen!!! If I am asked about what is the best job I have ever had, I would have to say, “I am still doing it…Grandpa is my number one favorite. It comes complete with a definition— ‘See Duct Tape’”.
Onward and Upward,
Mark
Lyfting Me Up 