They are all grand

I don't like the possibility of being considered a braggart, but I am the father of four great children, the grandfather of 10 grandchildren, and the great-grandfather of two and one-third great-grandchildren.

Being a father is the most difficult of the roles; one has the ever-present feeling of responsibility that seems to prevail over everything.

Being a grandfather is the best role; you don't have that overwhelming responsibility for grandkids that you had when you were raising your kids. You can just have fun with the delightful grandchildren and spoil them all you wish.

I consider myself fortunate to have my two sons living and working in the same town as I live, instead of scattering off to some place like California or New York. Plus, both of our daughters live within easy driving distance -- Tulsa and Hot Springs, so we get to see them frequently.

The grandkids are out of high school now attending colleges or working in their areas of interest. It is always such a pleasure to see them when they come home. I suspect some of them plan to spend their futures in Siloam.

I have tried to impress upon the grandchildren that life is a rocky road filled with chug holes, but they should not get depressed. Life is also a never-ending learning experience. They should grab their boot tops and pull themselves out of the chug holes, remembering that song with the line about the little old ant.

Another piece of advice, young 'uns: don't dwell on mistakes. Each of us could list countless mistakes or bad decisions we have made. I have always had the reputation of being a "good boy," but if I could change several things I did (not necessarily "bad" things), it would make me feel like a better person and I would be much richer. So, it is a good idea to think more about what you do, and to look before you leap!

The world has changed so much in the last 60 to 70 years that Rip Van Winkle would really be lost, confused, and bewildered if he awoke today, after having been asleep for six or seven decades. He would likely think he was on another planet.

If you are a grandparent, hug those precious grandchildren.

If you have living grandparents, give them an extra hug the next time you say goodbye. You are so lucky to have each other.

-- Louis Houston is a resident of Siloam Springs. His book "The Grape-Toned Studebaker" is available locally and from Amazon.com. Send any questions or comments to [email protected] or call 524-6926. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 01/21/2015