Not Your Typical Grandma

My grandchildren tell me I am not a "normal" Grandma and that's what they love about me. I wrestle with the little ones, throwing them around, putting them in a scissor hold, and making them say, "Uncle" or any other word or phrase I am in the mood to hear. I walked outside one day where my 10-year-old grandson was playing with his new neighbor. My sweet boy saw me, ran straight at me, and attacked. The new neighbor boy had a look of horror on his face that this old lady was going to get knocked down and his new friend was going to be in deep trouble. I promptly "took my grandson down" and then danced around like a football player who just made a touchdown. The new boy's look turned from horrified to impressed and I heard, "Man! Your grandma's strong.

Still a kid myself, I love to scare my grandchildren, embarrass them, and let them laugh at me when I can't do the things they can. I am no good at the video games they are so awesome at, I can't lift as many pounds as the teenagers can, and I am not about to try the parkour that seems second nature to them. Jumping over picnic tables, flying through the air and up poles and trees are things that I pass on. When I see a bench, I think it is a nice place to take a break. The kids think it is something to fly over. They can say, "C'mon, Grandma; just try it" all they want. It is not going to happen. Ok...maybe I'll try some of it, especially the weight lifting. If my feet can stay flat on the ground, I am game.

Playing with my grandchildren is what keeps me young. While I do enjoy peace and quiet and have times of

solitude when I meditate or sit with my eyes closed and listen to nature, I also have to keep active. I fell and injured my knees and was afraid of falling again for a long time. I had constant pain and was supposed to have a knee operation but when I started climbing stairs, swimming, and going for walks, they improved so much that I do not even consider that option, at least for now and hopefully never. I can't imagine a life in a rocking chair, watching life go by. The kids are more likely to come to Grandma if they want to do something active. My daughters are fit and enjoy walks and an occasional hike but I am the one who is probably going to say yes to going to the park or to play basketball or disc golf.

Get out of your chair and get fit. You don't have to go rock climbing to stay in shape. Doing one thing

different can start you on your way to good health. Some people have health problems through no fault of their own but when most are feeling tired, sick, and old, it is time to take get out of that chair and do something about it. Look at what is going into the body: vegetables and fruits or fast food and t.v. dinners? What is going on physically? Sitting in front of the t.v. every night or taking a walk with a friend?