The Grandfatherish Person

In what must certainly be considered an act of supreme generosity, I am being allowed to become a grandfatherish person.  I am not and cannot be the actual grandfather in this case for two valid reasons.  First, I am not married to that girl—the actual grandmother.  Secondly, I have no connection by blood to either birth family here.

I am brand new to most of both families.  I have, in fact, spent virtually every day of the last four meeting that girl’s friends and family here in Ohio.

Last night, that girl’s daughter was admitted to a hospital so the process of an induced birth might be started.  She is eight days past her due date.  These days, the process of inducing child birth is slow and methodical.  The child will likely arrive at some point later today.

Here is the generosity: This morning, the expectant mother and father are allowing me to go to the hospital with that girl so that I can act as the grandfatherish person.  I am not under any illusion that having me there is everyone’s most fervent wish.  I know that I am too early into this many-webbed relationship to have any weight at all.  I am allowed due only to the kindness of that girl and her family.

Still, I am thrilled at the whole idea of this grandfatherish thing.  I can already see the new toys.  Imaginary games.  Something stirring around every corner.

A new baby!

And me…all grandfatherish in Ohio.

--Mitchell Hegman