A few months ago I bought a Spibelt, a stretchy waist belt that holds my phone and keys while I run. Little did I know that it would also become a “Stranger Danger” reducer. My 17-month old grand-daughter has wanted little to do with me since I arrived in Florida, until I started playing with that belt. It’s similar to the belt clasp on her high chair, so she was familiar with how it works. While her mom went for a run, it kept us both entertained for an hour and even drew her to my lap. It was the unexpected bond we needed to start our new relationship. At that moment, I became her Grandpa and no longer a stranger. 

I haven’t been a very good Grandfather, living over 3,000 miles away. I respond to pictures and videos, but this is only the second time that I’ve had her in my arms. She doesn’t know that I’ve set up a fund for her education and send her money and toys. She kept her distance when I stepped back into her life a few days ago, wondering who the heck I was? Another grandfather? I could see concern in her big brown eyes and tried numerous ways to break the ice. It was the belt that did the trick. 

I’ve had a hard time adjusting to the three-hour time difference. My body is stiff and sore, while every step of running seems painful. After a week of moving heavy boxes and six hours on a crammed airplane, I’m feeling my age. My wife is back in Portland entertaining girlfriends from Indianapolis in our new apartment. There wouldn’t have been room for me, so it was the ideal time to visit my son. We had dinner last night at Prime Steak and on the drive there and back I got some one-on-one time with my 12-year old grandson. He’s getting taller and his voice is deepening, while proud to wear his middle school golf team jersey. It’s at least an interest that gets him out of the house and away from video games. He seems determined to make a career out of computer animation. He has direction, something that I never had while in school.  I hope his dreams come true. 

I’ve been particularly impressed with the very close sister relationship between my youngest and middle grandchildren. Big sister is like a second mother to the baby. It’s fun for me to watch, while the cat seems to be particularly attached to me. The poor creature seems to be craving attention, since everyone else is so focused on the newest addition to the family. I was certainly no danger or stranger when she immediately curled up on my lap. I found one fast friend, while hoping to leave a positive influence on my three amigos, as their once-in-a-while grandfather. I’ll see them again in a few short months, rather than the year that passed between our last encounter.