Sunday, August 11, 2013

Grandfather and Grandson

They hadn’t seen each other in person in nearly two years, and they barely speak any of each other’s language, but that hasn't stopped Kai from continuing the very tight bond with his grandfather who is visiting from Japan.

On our recent road trip to Yellowstone, each night we all shared a motel room, and Kai and his grandfather had to share a bed. Kai did not mind, though. At home, he prefers to have someone sleep with him in his room and it has been tough at times to get him to sleep alone. So, getting to sleep in the same room with all the adults was a treat, and he seemed to like having his grandfather right next to him. One morning, I awoke and found Kai sleeping all the way over on his grandfather’s pillow, both sound asleep.

On our first night home, back in his own bed, Kai said he had couldn’t fall asleep and wanted to sleep in his grandfather’s room with him. I had gone to bed early that evening, but Jiji said he didn't mind and so my wife agreed to let Kai sleep with him. And so it has been every night since.


But it’s not just at night that Kai seeks out his grandfather. Kai is always asking Jiji to play with him. In the photo below, they are playing with Kai’s Trashies collection. And though Jiji is often confused about what Kai is asking him to do, Kai doesn’t seem to mind. (My wife and I do try to translate whenever we can).


They also had great fun teasing each other during a game of Uno.


I was very worried that as Kai gets older he would grow a bit distant from his grandfather, but that has not been the case at all thus far. If anything, the bond just keeps getting stronger.

And that goes to show that speaking the same language is not a requirement when there is real, authentic love.

6 comments:

  1. I am happy, not just for Kai, but for his grandfather. He must be very glad to spend time with his grandson. I am sure that seeing Kai enjoy himself in his company must be a beautiful experience for him.

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    1. Yes, I know he is very glad that Kai enjoys his company. He wishes that he could understand better what Kai is saying, but Kai doesn't hardly mind that at all.

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  2. That is so wonderful! I hope they have a close relationship always...that's is so important! They look so cute in that bed! lol....

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    1. Betsy, it is so wonderful that they have such a close relationship. Kai is so sweet to his grandfather, and, of course, his grandfather is extremely loving with Kai.

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  3. What a beautiful update!
    I think grandparents can be such an awesome and beneficial presence in our kiddos lives
    They are willing to slow down and spend the time
    I adore the pics

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    1. K, not all grandparents are so kid-friendly, but Kai is fortunate to have several that love to spend time with him. You are right that they are often willing to slow down and spend the time, something that we as parents are often challenged to do. Thanks!

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