Innocence

As I look at the world through the eyes and soul of my grandson, I am reminded of the beauty of innocence. I see a world lacking inhibition and fear of judgment. I see a world full of trust and simplicity. I see a world absent of malice, jealousy, and hatred. Every day with him, I experience a world full of many firsts.

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When I look at this little boy, I hope that he can keep this innocence as long as possible. Our children have one chance at their innocence. One chance to be young and silly. One chance at a totally carefree childhood. I want it to last, and I don’t want anything getting in the way. Wouldn’t’ that be nice?!

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As his “Papa,” I feel a strong responsibility to safeguard his innocence at any cost. Before I know it, he will have many opportunities to grow up. He will be exposed to the realities of this world and all of the things that can strip you of that innocence. I want him to hold on to that wide-eyed simplicity for as long as possible.

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After reflecting on the school shooting events in Uvalde, Texas, the past few days, it hit me like a ton of bricks. As vigilant as I can be in safeguarding his innocence, there are forces in this world much bigger and stronger than me that will shape my grandson’s views and determine his fate.

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The parents of those 19 children in Texas sent their children to school, expecting their precious and innocent children to spend a day being silly, playful, and safe. But unfortunately, life had a very different and unimaginable plan. These parents have lost so much.

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They have been robbed of the joy of experiencing the beauty of life through the innocent eyes of their young children. Children’s innocence and simplicity help us deal with and accept our crazy world. But, when something happens to them, we lose a big part of ourselves.

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These parents didn’t even have a choice in safeguarding their children’s innocence. Instead, that option was swiftly and callously taken from them and, along with that, a high level of trust.

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I know I can’t protect this little guy from everything, but I can promise him that I will cuddle, kiss, and hug him as often as I can. I will sing imaginative songs and dance with him every chance I get. I will heed the lessons learned from his innocence. I will help him to embrace a world of many firsts without abandon.

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I, too, only get one chance at safeguarding his innocence. It is my job, and I will do it as long as possible.

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