The Three Ducks

Looking up history and lost heritage, I came upon, a long time ago, the fact that a “Peppin” clan existed, in England, during the Middle Ages. They even sported a shield that was emblazoned with three ducks. Since I still do not claim such ancient ancestry, I didn’t give it another thought until very recently. My last three grandsons can still be considered “ducklings”, age-wise, and that gave me this idea. I do not know if the “Peppin” line still continues in good old Blighty (I’m sure it does), but since I now have the name, I thought I could put two and two together and come up with a new equation.

My second grandson is my third grandchild. He has some years to go before he becomes a teenager. It seems to me that today’s children learn how to run before they can walk, but I guess that can be attributed to the fast pace of life that is both a blessing and a curse. When I was his age I was a king, living my life as I dictated. It was not that I was unaware of the world around me; rather, the cruel world had not yet affected my comfort and joy. Growing up in an unstable world can affect most people, let alone children. And that is why the “tender years” are crucial. The young ones are no longer what Sir Cliff Richard sang about, but the final message of that song rings true: “ darling, then we’ll teach the young ones of our own.”

Do we? Do we, ever? “Where is the time?” we plead. Everyone’s out getting richer or poorer, everyone’s trying to get by, and all too few people even think about the injunction: “Love thy neighbour as thyself.” That is where elders come in; that is where grandparents come in. And that is where most of us fail, myself included.

As I was saying, my second grandson has cultivated the art of getting by. When he is hungry, he marches into the kitchen and prepares a hearty snack, conjured up by him through his instincts of sight and smell. He is generous with his self-made snacks and I can testify to that. Is this his window to the future? Gastronomy is something that can never be fully satisfied, and if he keeps going, there is always a viable option open for him. He has a great many other interests, like athletics, gaming and playing the guitar, so he’s actually setting himself up for the future. All the best, dear boy.

My third grandson is a wizard with computers. When I bought this iPad I entrusted my sons to set it up. I am almost illiterate when it comes to things electronic, so I am dependant all the time. But when this chubby little guy is around, I’m astounded, not just about his computer literacy, but also because of the speed with which he works. He makes me feel, sometimes, that I am living in the dark ages, but all is forgotten with his smile and his never- say- no attitude. He, too, has a bright future ahead of him. Like the sower who sowed his seed, may he avoid the stones and weeds of life, steering always in the path of abundant growth and satisfaction and happiness. May you be blessed always.

My fourth grandson is closer to me in time and space but, unfortunately, not in circumstance. Why it is so, I cannot understand. We spent precious little time in his company, and even that little seems to have dried up completely. All I can say is that every child deserves and requires the love and care-giving that anyone can give, irrespective of the family politics that rages on and on. One thing I will say, with all my mind and heart and soul, is that you are a “Peppin” and you will always be so. We love and cherish you, my dear boy, and sooner or later you too will come to that realisation. We will always be there to support you, in whatever small way we can, until the dark shadows disappear and you can claim what has always been yours. You are my blood and the bloodline depends on you too. All my blessings on you, my dear one.