In 1981, from August to December, Jeanne and I had three children married. With only our youngest, Ann, at home, we felt a partial empty-nest syndrome.

That didn’t last long, as we were blessed with four grandchildren within two years. The next 12 years, the number increased to 15. Needless to say, with all of them living within a four-mile radius, we interacted daily.

During their growing up years, someone asked me if we did a lot of babysitting. Jokingly, I said, “Almost daily. In fact, I think we get a day off every other Christmas.”

Those were the days! I remember one day, in frustration, telling Jeanne, “We don’t have time to make an agenda. Our children plan our days.” Babysitting, taking them to school, the doctor’s office, bringing lunches, field trips; you name it, we did it.

How time flies! Today, our youngest grandchild, Kameron, is entering the ninth grade.

Last week, at PJ’s, I ran into Ray and Laurie Templet, one of my favorite couples. Two years ago, their daughter, Amanda, and her husband, Jack Brady, blessed them with their first grandchild, Molly. Every time I see them, I say, “You have been voted the grandparents of the year.” If you ever see them with Molly, you’ll understand what loving grandparents are.

I told them how I felt now that our grandchildren don’t need us anymore. I described it as the withdrawal syndrome. I encouraged them to enjoy these years because they do past fast.

Ray then proudly said, “We’re expecting another one.” Their daughter, Shannon, who is married to Harold Montegut, is pregnant.

Talking to Ray and Laurie gave me flashbacks to the fun times I had when our grandchildren were young. I believe all the activity prevented us from realizing we were getting old.

I suddenly forgot about the withdrawals I was experiencing when I realized that with three great-grandchildren and one on the way, we can look forward to being used as great-grandparents.

In fact, on Sunday our granddaughter, Kerri, informed Jeanne that she has been authorized to pick up our great-grandson, Dylan, from school. Just the beginning of another exciting chapter in our lives.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, La 70084, call (9985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.