Page 99 - May 2018 - December 2018 Issue

We all wear different hats depending on the
place/situations we are in. In the office, I wear
the hat of supervising and guiding my staff.
At home, I wear the hat of a husband and
father although aside from this, I also put on
the hat of a son, brother, uncle, cousin.
Different hats, different challenges
nonetheless it feels good wearing them!
About eight months ago, I started to put on
another hat – being a grandfather. Taking on
this role gives me much pleasure and
enjoyment. As a parent then, I was
concerned with disciplining my kids, guiding
them and being there for them. But now as
a grandfather, I feel that I am here to have
fun, bond and “just be with” my apo. As they say, grandparents are here to enjoy and
spoil their grandchildren but the challenge of raising them and disciplining them still
rests on the shoulders of their parents.
What’s like bonding with my granddaughter? Well, it does not happen only during
weekends, but EVERDAY! In the morning, before I start my day, I would spend time
with her (especially if she is awake). When I go home from work, I make sure that I
have playtime with her especially now that that her favorite game is pick-a-boo. As a
grandfather I don’t mind putting her to sleep or even changing her diapers. I have
done this with my children- I can still do it for my grandchildren.
After a long day in the office, I look forward to coming home – to be with my family. As
I enter our home, there is a shift in roles- a transformation takes place. From my role in
the office, I am now a husband, father and grandfather. My home is my sacred place,
my sanctuary. With my apo around, I feel so relaxed when I see her jump whenever I
come home, extend her arms towards me as if saying” it’s fun time with Papu”. During
weekends, we share more quality and quantity time together. I can still manage to
watch Formula 1 on TV while I carry her in my arms and lull her to sleep.
At this point in my life, I am so grateful that I was given the chance to take on this very
important and fulfilling role- that of being a grandfather.
RAUL L. IGNACIO

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