“They say genes tend to skip generations.Maybe that is why
grandparents find their grandchildren so likeable.”
A sense of wonder is an integral part of a child’s spirit. Yet in our modern technological world, it is easily diminished. We should do everything possible to keep that spirit alive, not only in our children but within ourselves. When we encourage our children to develop a sense of responsibility we realize these two concepts are not that different. Discovering the wonders our world has to offer is often part of our “responsibility” to it.
To often the desire to have things “right now” take precedence over what could be the pride and satisfaction we feel when our patience and perseverance enable us to accomplish what we set out to do. The development of personal responsibility and knowing that the actions and decisions we make today do have consequences is an important concept at any age!
Our journey through time together has created many educational and memorable experiences. There is no doubt that our mountain does stand out as we look back and reflect upon our journey. Although we knew it would be one of the most challenging additions to our layout, we approached it with the same enthusiasm and creativity that had been characteristic of our layout thus far. Its peak, ridges, plateaus, and rock coloration were extremely detailed and realistic. We were happy with our work and yes……WE DID BUILD THAT!
When he looks back to the experience we shared, I am confident that he will count the many obstacles we overcame among the many he will most certainly overcome in the future. I want to be there to catch him if he falls, advise him should he ask, and provide him with love and support always. This was but one more of the “snapshots in time” we hold so dear and will remain in our hearts forever.
“Life is divided into three terms, that which was, which is, and which will be.
Let us learn from the past, to profit by the present, and from the present, to live
better in the future.”
~William Wordsworth
Samy and I continued our discussion about the railroads, life in America at the turn of the century, and of course our latest expedition to visit the general merchandise store located in the center of the town we live in. This hardware store has been in operation since 1900 and still looks the same today as it did at the turn of the century! We were interrupted by the unmistakeable sound of a train whistle and the sound of the wheels against the track. The gates went down, the lights began to flash and the bells went off. We looked in the distance toward the bend in the tracks and sure enough we saw the bright light on the front of the engine. The train made a brief stop next to the station where we were standing and we were treated to an extreme close-up of this enormous engine! The experience of being able to see and hear this great workhorse “up close and personal” was a thrill for both of us.
“Wow, that was awesome,” Samy said, as we watched the train pull away until it disappeared into the distance and we could see it no longer.
“It was almost as though they knew we were waiting here,” I answered.
“One hundred years from now another grandfather and grandson might come here to watch the train,” Samy commented as he looked up at me.
“Maybe…..and I hope they have the same experience we have had together.”
I knew that regardless of the century, there was no one I would rather travel through time with than my grandson. There are some things in this world that are “timeless” and he possesses every one of them. Perhaps one day he will stand with his grandson and share the same privilege I have known. The future holds many challenges and it is incumbent upon all parents and grandparents to prepare our children for it. It is my sincere hope that we never forget the things in life that really matter!
Many people look to the future and truly believe that the problems we currently face will only get worse. They feel powerless to change it and believe that there is little they can do and have an overwhelming sense of dread for what lies ahead. Read the quote below if you fall into this category.
“No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to
uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.”
Helen Keller
Do you look to the future with overwhelming pessimism and say “things will never be as good in this world as they once were?” If you answered yes, I can only say you haven’t seen the twinkle in my grandson’s eye, his infectious sense of wonder, extraordinary common sense, and phenomenal character! He is the future and the world is a much better place with him in it.
Our journey together would have been simple if we were looking for something to circle the Christmas Tree each year. We had made the decision to build a layout that included a village, train station, mountains, trees, scenery, waterfalls, and a train yard! Were we confused at this point on our journey? Let’s just say the questions far outnumbered the answers and we were determined to find them. Our collective excitement and enthusiasm for our project kept us “on track.”
We knew exactly what we wanted to include on our layout and we found inspiration for building these things in some of the most unlikely places. The “expeditions” we took together were a constant source of inspiration for us. These expeditions were “priceless” on so many levels. They not only helped us build a magnificent layout but were a constant reminder of the things in life that really matter!
When we were young children we really had no obligations and time seemed to pass more slowly. When our parents or especially our grandparents made time for us, it validated something we already knew. They were quite possibly the only people who fully understood the concept of time itself! As Grandparents, it is understandable why we wish to make time slow down. We live in a world that has become very fast-paced and we sometimes neglect the things in life that really matter. Looking back on our lives we come to the conclusion that some things should never be neglected. Perhaps it is for this reason we realize what a blessing our grandchildren really are! They are our link to the future and we are their link to the past and there is nothing greater than spending time with them now…in the present ! Become the pilot and make the precious time we have with our children and grandchildren overflowing with memories and experiences they will never forget!
In Snapshots in Time: The S&G Railroad by Robert Michaels, Samy and his grandfather discuss just that. Since they did not have a plutonium-powered DeLorean or a flux capacitor, they decided they just weren’t necessary. They were determined to go back in history through one of their now-famous expeditions. This Grandson and Grandfather chose another vehicle for their journey through time. We hope more of you will join us on our adventure now that we are available on Kindle as well as paperback. Our journey spans almost 200 years and is a compilation of experiences and memories we have created together to make this true story enjoyable, heartwarming and one we will never forget.
It is a “must read”for all grandchildren, parents and grandparents!
When I look back at the events that led me to write Snapshots in Time: The S&G Railroad only one thing comes to mind. The image of my 5 year old grandson Samy! He was standing in an almost empty walk-in closet and it seems like yesterday. He will be 10 in 2 months and I find it difficult that so much time has passed so quickly! This is when our “journey” began and it has led us to places we never imagined. Now we both would like to share our journey with you.
Snapshots in Time 