Substitution

Like many of you, I feel that I have an awesome family. Without going into boring details, I can honestly say that I am extremely fond of every member of my family. That also extends to my extended blood family along with all of my in- laws. Sadly, only one sister and her family lives close to me in the Lehigh Valley. I miss my family a lot.
Last weekend my two-year-old grandson Owen brought his Mommy and Daddy from Pittsburgh to Grandpa and Nana's house. What a special treat- similar to Christmas and a vacation wrapped together. I don't think it gets much better than this. Owen and I (along with Mommy and Daddy and Nana) "packed" it in between compulsory naps.
We started with a big breakfast of ham and little pancakes (3 shaped like Mickey Mouse's face and two ears) followed by a trip to a dog show packed with potential canine friends. After a midday nap, we co-labored swabbing "goop" on homemade sticky (cinnamon) buns- something all two year old need to master! The weekend packed in as much as we could tackle. There was a lot of playing with old (new to him) toys, checking out a backhoe and ATV in the freezing cold, sled riding, steering Grandpa's garden tractor outfitted with chains and a plow blade through the snow, reading comics and listening to stories with Nana, and on and on. I'm sure you get the picture.
Today I feel like I just came down from a sugar high and it's hard to adjust. Why did I feel so overly compelled to do everything in one weekend? Guess it's part of being a grandparent. Because I love him so much too, I almost feel guilty as I try to recall if I did all those things with Owen's father. Was it all because someone made me feel so special with their adoring unconditional love?
My thoughts went back to the dog show we attended. I seldom feel the collective amount of love I felt in Ag Hall that day even in places that are supposed to be known for their love. The obvious pride, fawning expressions, and occasional slurpy dog kisses seemed to put the thousands who attended in a terrific mood. There was more "goodwill toward men" (and dogs) than I could imagine.
What do these two things from my weekend have in common? As I reflect, I realize sheepishly how great my need is to love and be unconditionally loved. Perhaps I should get over my hang ups to realize that the limitations beyond pets and grandchildren are somewhat self imposed. The lavish attention on these two groups is a substitution for pent up desires for deep relationships that I've thought unattainable. There is one who loves me unconditionally and possibly many more that don't have nearly the limitations I perceive. I am unconditionally loved and so are you; let's spread that love. It's needed a lot, especially in these times.