I have many “bright lights” in my life today. People, events, learnings… all amplify my growth, my journey in these later years. None shines as bright as the “light”… joy I’ve received from my granddaughter, Payson.

She’s beautiful, smart, feisty… maybe more so now as a teen. Full of energy. She spends most of it every day. Studies, friends, sports, her roles in plays. At 14 she usually greets me with, “I’m tired, PopPop.” I see… this is so Ok with me.

Straight “A“ student…many friends. Loves performing. I’ll long remember her incredible depiction of a character from the play, “Legally Blonde” in front of a large audience. There’s some magic in this kid. Shone so bright that afternoon as she took the stage in a red leotard, with a jump rope! Details not needed. She stunned us all. She loves it. We loved it!

She is very task oriented. Loving, caring, but usually very focused on the task at hand. Competes that way. Polite but mischievous too. Loves her brother, Jake He’s a gift I featured in a previous piece.

Occasionally I wonder, dream about Payson. What lies ahead. I just know for sure how unique and entertaining it will be. Maybe especially for Nancy and me. Want to see the day she’s accepted to the college of her choice. Want to see who she marries. Want to revel someday with great grandchildren if she’s blessed to have some someday.

We have shared a lot, Payson and me. Fun, a little discipline along the way. But mostly hugs and my marvel at how she’s growing … so beautifully. Her love for reading and curiosity are gifts that will always serve her so well for sure. There are two pictures… side by side in our den. One depicts Payson and me hand in hand walking down toward an active surf on Amelia Island. Our 28 year vacation home. Chubby little legs. Rounded cap, pink two piece bathing suit. Three, four years old. A baby seeing the ocean for the first time.

Next to this picture is another one. Ten, eleven years later. The child in the first picture? Eager to go see the ocean with her PopPop. The teen in the second? A little reluctant. “Really, PopPop, really?” “Yes, Payson, really.” In truth she was easy to convince. Here I held the hand of a young lady. Confident… beautiful, smiling. Each picture frames a brief passage of time. Love expressed a little differently in each as I gaze at Payson as a child, then as a teen.. I’m looking so forward to that third picture. Maybe showing a walk toward the sea with a great grandchild someday.

Whatever unfolds. The memories and love this child has gifted Nancy and me with so much love… will be with us always.

Thank you, Payson.