Finally, on Thanksgiving

It's been a couple of weeks since I managed to scribble anything down here.  Mostly I've been preoccupied, as the holidays are always very busy at work, families being what they are, nurturing, caring, and warm, while at the same time being judgmental, angry, competitive, duplicitous and full of silent scorn.  It makes the season jolly.

But, this year we had one of the most unique and exciting Thanksgiving celebrations, as our first grandchild, a beautiful daughter, was born right in the middle of the turkey, stuffing and sweet potatoes  (and Patriot victory). She was more than a week overdue, so already she is showing a flare for timing and drama.  The whole family was gathered and waiting for the fatherly updates by test message. Being a female was a real crowd pleaser, and the whole group broke into cheers and applause. My daughter, the mother, was trying hard not to wish for a girl, although it was clear that she was.  She and her husband had steadfastly held out early knowledge of the gender, so it came as a happy surprise.

Today were the first visits, in small groups by most of the interested family members.  I got to hold my granddaughter and sneak off into a corner and tell her a few secrets about how the world works.  Just stuff she should know about whom to trust and how to have a good time.

What is amazing is how good and self-contained a one day old person can be.  She had a few little fusses, but was able to find comfort in the warmth of who ever was holding her, and also from her own hands and fingers.  When she became really wet or hungry, she was able to ask for help.  She learned that people are there for her.  She responded by settling right down and snuggling in close. It is fascinating to see how well, at one day old, she can already interact.  Whether she continues to be so successful, and becomes happy and self-assured, or whether she loses that ability to comfort herself and becomes anxious and fretful depends, to a great degree, upon how her environment, especially her parents, react to her.  I have a lot of faith in these parents.

She is coming into the world during an unsettled time, but I think that could be said for any time since the death of Ramesses II, the Pharaoh of Egypt in 1213 B.C.  There rarely has been a good time, as far as societies and nation-states are concerned.  But as far as her own immediate family, she could not be more fortunate.  Her parents are attractive, accomplished, educated, and financially sound.  They seem to get along with each other quite well, and both were very eager to have this child.  These parents are surrounded by over-zealous grandparents, who are each more than willing to fuss, and coo and help this child along.

Not a bad start.  I hope she feels that her first day was a success. She did very well.