Of course the most important grandbabes in the world to me are the 5 that carry some DNA and tons of family memories. But I see many other children, and it is good for all of us "elders" to stay in touch with the young.
Many weeks I read on Wednesday and Thursdays to preschoolers - one group at St. mark's preschool in Glen Ellyn (a very well off neighborhood) and one Headstart group at a community center across from apartments where many new immigrants reside. Once a year I travel to a developing country to work with children learning to speak English. In both Tanzania and India these were preschoolers as well. In every group there are engaged kids and bored ones, cooperative and distracted, happy and hungry and anxious to please the adults. Four year olds are much more directed by the fact of being four than of their situation in life, their clothing and food, their home life or faith life.
All these children are "mine" in the sense that I have some small thing to share - English - that can make their lives better. It is my responsibility and joy to do that. What are your gifts? Surely someone can do more than talk (which turns out after 60 years to be my only talent...) How can you use that to bless more than just your DNA,
but the children everywhere who can benefit from your caring?
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