I know that we all like to be loved, looked up to and be appreciated. I also think that as we are young we need this appreciation very much. I believe that this urge returns to us in our old age.

I remember when my granddaughter Cassie was born. It was a comfort and joy to hold her in my arms and cuddle her close to me when she was upset. As she grew older she spent more time with Betty and me and we became very close. I recall one time when she was with us she and I were sitting on the back steps of our home out in the country south of Farmersville, Ohio. The quail were abundant and they were communicating with each other with their famous whistling. Back in those days I could whistle loudly with my fingers placed strategically in my mouth. I would give a great bob white whistle and a quail would answer me. Cassie looked at me, and with wonder in her eyes said, "What else do you know grandpa?" I imagine my chest swelled out at that question. Here was a little child that thought I was someone special.

Many years later her daughter, Lily came to me when I was not feeling well and offered me her prized possession, her blanket. She handed it to me with these words. "Here, Pappa. This will make you feel better." Once again my chest swelled and my heart enlarged. What a showing of love. It is no wonder that Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Yes folks we all need to feel and know that we are loved regardless of our age! One of the shortest verses in the Bible says, "God is Love."

We often say and sing, Love makes the world go around. Hmmmm.

Joe Brubaker Column Archives    Click here to read previously published columns