Our two Grandsons, Christopher and Nathan took their first train ride with us to Charlotte on August 25. It was a beautiful day and the train ride added to the adventure and enjoyment. It also reduced the stress of driving congested highways not to mention freeing us up for great conversation.
Having these two young men all to ourselves, ages 14 & 15, was a true delight. They are growing up all too fast and time with them is precious. You know what I am talking about if you have teenage grandchildren. Our goal was to get to know them better and to make memories.
This trip had been in the making for several years. We had talked about it but with their schedules and ours, it had just not happened. Nathan brought the subject up about a week before the eclipse. “Granddaddy, when are you going to take us to Charlotte on the train?” I was jolted into action because August 25, was the last Friday they had available before starting to school on August 28. The old adage, “never put off until tomorrow what you can do today,” came to mind. I went to the depot and arranged the trip without delay.
We visited the Carolina Aviation Museum that houses a number of significant aircraft with amazing history. None more significant or more impressive than the airplane known as the “Miracle on the Hudson” (US Airways Flight 1549) that crashed in the Hudson River after being struck by a flock of geese and losing both engines just minutes after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York. All 155 passengers survived because of the remarkable skills of Pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and the grace of God. Christopher and Nathan were 7 and 6 at the time. What they saw and learned was a revelation to both. Now, that miracle is engraved on their minds and will give them pause for reflection time and again. Now, they both will see the movie “Sully” with great interest.
Our second visit was to the Billy Graham Library. Neither Grandchild knew about Billy Graham or what an evangelist was, or how many lives have been touched all over the world by a farm boy from Charlotte. They were a mere 2 & 3 years old when Billy Graham retired from preaching after his New York Crusade June 24-26, 2005. Through modern technology our Grandchildren heard the voice of Billy Graham and can now tell you remarkable things about his life, commitment to Christ, and his powerful message for people to repent and turn to Christ.
My purpose in sharing this experience with you is to urge you to spend quality time with your Grandchildren. Take them where they have not been. Help them experience things they do not know. And in the process share your experience and values with them and in return get to know them in a deeper way. Time is short. Make the most of it.
In His Love, Charles
