I have six grandchildren, ranging in ages from fourteen to twenty-seven. One, Ryan, has been raised by my son from sixteen months to second grade when my son remarried. During this span of time, I helped Mike with Ryan, taking him one weekend a month so Dad could have a break.
His new Mom could not have children, so he remained the only child, doted on by both parents. Tina is one for traditions, like a picture of Ryan getting a Christmas kiss from her and Mike.
Ryan calls me every week. We live over seven-hours away from each other now. He's seventeen and always asks how the writing is going. During one conversation, I told him I'd just sent in a manuscript and was feeling nervous about it.
"Did you do all your research, Grandma?"
"Yes."
"Did you use all the things you've learned? Good grammar and stuff like that?"
I'm smiling by now. "Yes."
"Did you have someone check over your work? You know, looking for dumb mistakes you might make?"
"Yes, dear."
"So, you've done your best. Let it go and move on."
I used to read stories to this kid. When did he get so smart? He's earned all A's in high school. He's filling out entrance forms for MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, and Cal Tech. He's already been accepted to University of Maryland from earning the highest ranking at STEM camp last summer. This summer and during this school year, he's worked/working four hours a day as a lab intern at a cancer lab in Camp Detrick, working with AIDS cells. He's only taking AP Spanish and AP Physics at school this semester. In addition, he still plays football and wrestles.
Turning a manuscript in is always scary for me. After all these books, I still get the shakes. So I concentrate on the little gems of wisdom my grandson taught me.
Do your best and let it go.
Learn more about Vonnie at her website: www.vonniedavis.com
