My New Grandson Makes Me A First Time Gramps

In July of 2008, James Isaak from Iowa married Sonya Crabtree from Ohio. The wedding took place at a chapel on the Great Neck Naval Base in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Of course Sonya made a beautiful bride, the most beautiful bride ever, and I'm sure the handsome James would agree. And the wedding was the type that I always enjoy the most; simple yet elegant.

For the most part, the part I played in the affair was one of an observer. Sonya had requested that her brother, my hero and son, Alex, give her away. I felt, and still do, like it was a wonderful and well thought out gesture.

Today, Sonya works for the Commonwealth of Virginia in a special capacity helping 5 and 6 year olds learn to read, while James holds the classification of GM1 in the U.S. Navy and manages an on shore armory.

When you look at the two on paper, I think it is a safe bet to think that Sonya would be a less strict parent than James, due to his solid Midwestern upbringing and military career. I'm betting that the tables will be turned as I see James as the playful, impish type and KNOW Sonya has a square head on her shoulders as well as a solid foothold on life.

Either way, Cam will get more love than he can handle.

Cam The Man will have no shortage of wonderful role models. First in line will be his parents, and next will be his Uncle, my son Alex. Alex is a living tribute to his generation. The man has so much heart and perseverance that he should be held high for all to see as an example of how to survive and come through the other side with a spectacular attitude.

Besides, I know Alex already loves his nephew beyond belief.

Cam has a leg up in a world of increasing complexity and challenging issues. The love and guidance showered upon him will no doubt help form a brilliant, productive, handsome, and personable human being that will be at peace with himself.

When I use the word distance as I speak of my own Grandfathers, I am speaking of the distance of time. I didn't really know either of my Grandfathers.

Luther Willoughby, my maternal Grandfather, passed away in the year before I was born. Luther was afflicted with a diseased lung for the forty years years he survived a gas attack during World War One.

My paternal Grandfather, Birchard Crabtree, died when I was four years old. He was seventy-eight. My only real memory of "Pops" is of him laid out in his casket at his home that sat atop one of the Appalachian Foothills in Southeastern Ohio.

I didn't get the chance to build memories from Grandpa's knee. No recollection of the gleam in Grandpa's eye. No warm voice print to guide me is etched on my brain. No hard, love filled lesson of losing a Grandfather so full of love.

I missed out on fishing with Grandpa.

I live twelve hours from Cam. Right now, that may as well be 8,000 miles. But, I will do everything in my power not to let Cam miss out on the love I have for him. I will visit him as often as I can, I will call enough to be annoying, and I will write him until my fingers bleed.

I will take him fishing.

Cameron Joseph Isaak. Grandfather. We all know that these names won't stick. Both of us will have nick names, or rhythmical pet names to show our love for each other.

When I first talked to Sonya, the day Cameron was born, I asked her if she was going to call him Cam (because I instantly knew I would), her reply was, "Yup! Cam The Man." She is her father's daughter.

In my eyes, Cam holds a connotation of strength and movement. After all, a cam shaft is an important component in an internal combustion engine. It is the linchpin of all forward movement. Cam is also a not uncommon name of hockey players.

I like Cam The Man.

As far as I'm concerned, I will accept anything Cam wants to call me. Well, I might lead him away from Grandfather. Seems a bit stuffy for my taste.

In my opinion, being a Grandparent is one of the greatest positions held in the Life Corporation. It is also wrought with heavy responsibility.

Cam will get much in the way of knowledge and growth from his parents. Life will seem to zing by them as he crawls into an upright position to strike his mark upon the world. There is a lot of work for parents. They must prep him and guard him him while prodding him.

Survival through loving care.

I will take the position of servant. I will support Sonya and James as they raise Cam to be the outstanding human being he will most certainly become. I trust Sonya as my daughter. She fell in love with the right man in her eyes, and that's good enough for me. In fact, that's more than good enough; it is spectacular.

My job will be to provide Cam with a zen. I will teach him to always take a moment and reflect on the simple things in life. Flowers, wind in the hair, impish smiles, gleams in eyes, love.

He will always want to happily waste time when he needs it. My job is to teach him that.

Cam, I will always love you!