Grandfather In Training

I've had the pleasure of working on the air at this legendary rock station, I-95, for the last 35 years. Our oldest son, Matt grew up around the halls of the station eventually working both on and off the air.

Matt and his wife Kelly, are expecting their first child in March and I have become the newest G.I.T(Grandfather In Training) If you've ever taken part in the G.I.T program, you're aware that besides the classroom training, your first "in the field" assignment  is to become proficient in the actual interaction with a small child no older than three. I jumped at the chance immediately and called my sister-in-law to ask if I could attempt to communicate with her two year old grand daughter, Gabriella. As you can see by the photo, she's really adorable, but I found out I was extremely out of practice.

Gabriella, like most two year olds, is in constant motion trying to find out what she's allowed to get away with. The time we had alone proved challenging, as she somehow found a small spray bottle of water and began watering everything in sight.....the couch, the back deck windows, herself, myself, and our dog, Lucy. She got hold of the tip of some ear buds and proceeded to pop it in her mouth. I was told a choking child is a major fail during this part of your training, but don't worry, I was right there to make sure she spit it out successfully.After finding some stickers and placing them on our bedroom door, it was time for a book before bed, which turned into several books before bed. As I carried her off to sleepy time, she put her little toddler arms around my neck, gave me a big hug and said, "I love you Uncle Goon!" As exhausted as I was, it felt good to get an A+ on my first assignment knowing I had made a new friend.