Columns
Editor's Notes: Grandma taught us to care, love with all our heart
By James Bennett
Only two columns of mine have elicited more responses than the one on my daughter two weeks ago.
A commentary I wrote about Osama bin Laden last year, telling him where to go, generated about 300 phone calls, e-mails and Internet responses. Not all were friendly, and not all of them were in English.
A missive about my son being bypassed for his Little League all-star team was the second-most popular — or irritating, depending on the reader’s point of view. People involved in youth sports, I discovered, sometimes raise their voices and use naughty language when they disagree with you.
The joy of watching my 6-year-old girl, Hanna, grow and discover the world around her — assisted in part by the kindness of teachers, coaches and an 8-year-old friend, Gabby — was uplifting. The words struck a chord with some of you, with childhood or parental memories rushing to mind.
I come from a family that loves kids. My grandmother had 11 and raised her oldest daughter's first child, too. She used to sit on the front porch on Sundays and reveled in visits from her 20 grandchildren. She loved us with all her heart. She taught us to care and help anyone feeling sad, or down and out, with all our might. Get involved. Take a risk. Champion the underdog. Make a difference.
I envision being the same when I'm retired, baby-sitting grandkids, offering sage advice to my two boys and girl and volunteering at the neighborhood school.
I'm sure I irritate people by bringing my kids everywhere. But that's me. When you invite me, you get the whole crew!
Anyway, more than 100 e-mailed, wrote letters or called about the column. I appreciated the kindness and wanted to share the thoughts with you. Some of the most-touching responses:
My daughter died when she was 6. Her older sister was 8 when it happened. I cried when I read your column because it brought back some poignant moments for me. I used to watch my 6 year old and 8 year old play for hours, loving each other and caring for each other. They shared laughs, toys and secrets. We were all best friends. It was like yesterday, though it was nearly 20 years ago. Your daughter’s friend is priceless. Thanks for reminding me of a special time in my life.
Just want to say what an absolutely beautiful story you wrote about your daughter and her friend. She is so lucky to have a friend like Gabby, who could teach adults a thing or two about thinking of others first.
I was comparing your story with the stuff that guy from Lake Wobegon (Garrison Keillor) writes about his “gap-toothed, sandy-haired daughter,” who has been describing her like this for so many years that she must be out of college by now! And when does he ever see her, as he always seems to be writing his articles from New York, San Francisco, or elsewhere around the world? Obviously, you are a very caring father.
This was a wonderful Father’s Day article. It was touching and charming, and I’m sure Hanna thinks that you’re the best Dad in the whole world, just like I thought my Dad was — and still do all these years later. Being Daddy’s Little Girl is a great start in life to help feel confident about yourself. Parenthood and grandparenthood are the best and most fulfilling part of life in my book!
I think you’re in the best time of your life. Your daughter’s world revolves around you. Enjoy it. Savor it every day. It goes by fast, my friend. Keep up your spirit. Be forgiving. Be honest. And have fun.
I wanted to say how touching your column was Sunday. It’s clear how much you love your daughter. I remember having a little friend like Gabby when I was growing up. I’ll never forget the necklace my friend gave me for my 10th birthday!
I know yours was a Father’s Day column, but it was a nice tribute to Gabby’s mother, too. So it could have been a Mother’s Day column! You called her resilient, and I think that’s the ultimate compliment you can pay a mom.
Your daughter’s friend has done wonders for her confidence. It’s heart-warming to read a positive story about little ones. I really miss all of mine. They’re spread around the country.
I was feeling sorry for myself this week. I have a long list of problems, not the least of which is my health. I have diabetes and a weak heart. Anyway, your column brought the sunshine into my house and right into the kitchen as I read your column. Thank you for cheering up an old lady.
I usually despise columnists who try to personalize, and trivialize, issues and events with their own slice of life. This one was different. I felt energized by reading it. You talked about optimism and reciprocating with acts of kindness. Optimism and sharing go a long way in telling the world who we are as a society.
You bought up a major point for me — people who believe in reciprocating. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done nice things for people — unsolicited and solicited — only to be rebuffed when I’ve ask for a favor. It’s a lonely feeling to seek friendship and find rejection. I’m glad your daughter is getting to feel the joys of childhood. She’ll never forget them.
I wish all your columns were as positive and as inspiring as this one. I like your work better when you write about the beauty of life.
Contact Editor James Bennett at 547-9770 or jbennett@gvnews.com. See him on KUAT-TV, Channel 6’s “Arizona Illustrated” with host Bill Buckmaster at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Respond to this column with a Letter to the Editor by e-mailing letters@gvnews.com. Comment online at www.gvnews.com.
A commentary I wrote about Osama bin Laden last year, telling him where to go, generated about 300 phone calls, e-mails and Internet responses. Not all were friendly, and not all of them were in English.
A missive about my son being bypassed for his Little League all-star team was the second-most popular — or irritating, depending on the reader’s point of view. People involved in youth sports, I discovered, sometimes raise their voices and use naughty language when they disagree with you.
The joy of watching my 6-year-old girl, Hanna, grow and discover the world around her — assisted in part by the kindness of teachers, coaches and an 8-year-old friend, Gabby — was uplifting. The words struck a chord with some of you, with childhood or parental memories rushing to mind.
I come from a family that loves kids. My grandmother had 11 and raised her oldest daughter's first child, too. She used to sit on the front porch on Sundays and reveled in visits from her 20 grandchildren. She loved us with all her heart. She taught us to care and help anyone feeling sad, or down and out, with all our might. Get involved. Take a risk. Champion the underdog. Make a difference.
I envision being the same when I'm retired, baby-sitting grandkids, offering sage advice to my two boys and girl and volunteering at the neighborhood school.
I'm sure I irritate people by bringing my kids everywhere. But that's me. When you invite me, you get the whole crew!
Anyway, more than 100 e-mailed, wrote letters or called about the column. I appreciated the kindness and wanted to share the thoughts with you. Some of the most-touching responses:
My daughter died when she was 6. Her older sister was 8 when it happened. I cried when I read your column because it brought back some poignant moments for me. I used to watch my 6 year old and 8 year old play for hours, loving each other and caring for each other. They shared laughs, toys and secrets. We were all best friends. It was like yesterday, though it was nearly 20 years ago. Your daughter’s friend is priceless. Thanks for reminding me of a special time in my life.
Just want to say what an absolutely beautiful story you wrote about your daughter and her friend. She is so lucky to have a friend like Gabby, who could teach adults a thing or two about thinking of others first.
I was comparing your story with the stuff that guy from Lake Wobegon (Garrison Keillor) writes about his “gap-toothed, sandy-haired daughter,” who has been describing her like this for so many years that she must be out of college by now! And when does he ever see her, as he always seems to be writing his articles from New York, San Francisco, or elsewhere around the world? Obviously, you are a very caring father.
This was a wonderful Father’s Day article. It was touching and charming, and I’m sure Hanna thinks that you’re the best Dad in the whole world, just like I thought my Dad was — and still do all these years later. Being Daddy’s Little Girl is a great start in life to help feel confident about yourself. Parenthood and grandparenthood are the best and most fulfilling part of life in my book!
I think you’re in the best time of your life. Your daughter’s world revolves around you. Enjoy it. Savor it every day. It goes by fast, my friend. Keep up your spirit. Be forgiving. Be honest. And have fun.
I wanted to say how touching your column was Sunday. It’s clear how much you love your daughter. I remember having a little friend like Gabby when I was growing up. I’ll never forget the necklace my friend gave me for my 10th birthday!
I know yours was a Father’s Day column, but it was a nice tribute to Gabby’s mother, too. So it could have been a Mother’s Day column! You called her resilient, and I think that’s the ultimate compliment you can pay a mom.
Your daughter’s friend has done wonders for her confidence. It’s heart-warming to read a positive story about little ones. I really miss all of mine. They’re spread around the country.
I was feeling sorry for myself this week. I have a long list of problems, not the least of which is my health. I have diabetes and a weak heart. Anyway, your column brought the sunshine into my house and right into the kitchen as I read your column. Thank you for cheering up an old lady.
I usually despise columnists who try to personalize, and trivialize, issues and events with their own slice of life. This one was different. I felt energized by reading it. You talked about optimism and reciprocating with acts of kindness. Optimism and sharing go a long way in telling the world who we are as a society.
You bought up a major point for me — people who believe in reciprocating. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done nice things for people — unsolicited and solicited — only to be rebuffed when I’ve ask for a favor. It’s a lonely feeling to seek friendship and find rejection. I’m glad your daughter is getting to feel the joys of childhood. She’ll never forget them.
I wish all your columns were as positive and as inspiring as this one. I like your work better when you write about the beauty of life.
Contact Editor James Bennett at 547-9770 or jbennett@gvnews.com. See him on KUAT-TV, Channel 6’s “Arizona Illustrated” with host Bill Buckmaster at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Respond to this column with a Letter to the Editor by e-mailing letters@gvnews.com. Comment online at www.gvnews.com.
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