My grandkids Ryder, 11, and Lola, 7 keep me young at heart and help set some goals for me.
I would like to be around to see them get to their 21st year, which may be somewhat ambitious on my part.
I am just about to turn 67, eclipsing my dad’s 66 years and 10 months.
I set the goal for myself decades ago to surpass his lifespan.
Now, 67 is my new one.
As I said, it may be ambitious, but fingers crossed: I hope I make it to both parties.
I previously wrote about Lola at the footy and walking with her and George my kelpie-cross, which started a bit of a habit.
On most Tuesday nights, we go for a walk, which makes George happy as he loves Lola as much as he loves me (and way more than any other human).
So, Lola and I talk about architecture, school and dancing most of the time but, just of late, she has started talking about my column.
The other night she turned, looked at me, and out of the blue said, “Why did you write about daylight saving the other week? Boring!”
I was stunned on a number of fronts and stammered a reply: “Why? Do you want me just to write about you?”
She agreed that would be a really good idea and added: “Not Ryder – just me”.
I reminded her that I wrote a column about her in September, and she then changed the subject.
Last Tuesday, we were walking along and she told me she had read September’s column and thought it was pretty good and, basically, that I was on the right track.
So, just to keep her happy and ensure I have a pleasant walk, here are a couple of Lola-isms.
This is a kid with zero filter – like the time she walked into our house and said, “I am going to live here one day when you are gone. We are going to knock that wall out … blah blah blah.”
Now, I wonder where she got that from?
Then there was the time she said, “Papa, why are you fat and lazy and do nothing and Oma (Old Mate) does everything?”
I wonder where she got that from?
There is no doubt this kid has been put on the planet to keep me on my toes.
I love her and Ryder dearly and every day with them is a blessing. I hope there are many more.
Ashley Robinson is chairman of Sunshine Coast Falcons and Sunshine Coast Thunder Netball and a lifetime Sunshine Coast resident.
