The riches of both generations

by Kathryn Urick

Published Wednesday August 27, 1986

Kathryn’s Korner - The Daily Tribune

Intergenerational Sharing and the Joys of Grandparenting.

The above topics are two of my favorites to focus on – so when I hear about a happening between young and old I catch my breath – “Tell me about it, “ I hurry to say. I was all ears when Glenn Holmes started telling me about his grandson, 18.

Can an 18 year old and an 80 year old live happily together as they “share the riches of both generations? I would say yes. Jeff Pitzen of De Ridder, La., has been living with his grandfather, Glenn, at Northcrest in Ames.

According to Glenn, Jeff has wanted to attend Iowa state University ever since “he was 8 years old; One of those rare youths, Jeff always knew what he wanted to do.” So when he graduated last year from high school, he realized that his dreams had started to come true. He traveled north, and enrolled at ISU. He will study aerospace engineering. Jeff graduated 11^th in his class of 225.

Since his room on campus wasn’t available, Jeff and Glenn have been bunking together at Northcrest. A perfect setting for Intergenerational Sharing. How about that?

Glenn went on to say that Jeff reads all the time; I feel this is an admirable quality to let grow into a habit. Glenn would say that too, I am sure; as a professional scholar he must have read many, many books in his time.

When I met Jeff I was impressed with his scholarly attitude and his seriousness of thought and purpose – plus his neat appearance, and I though him quite handsome.

I wish Jeff the best of luck in pursuit o fhis future education – I hope he remembers ab out his grandfather if he needs assistance – I’m sure Glenn Holmes willb e waiting in the wings.

I heard the ladies at Northcrest have fallen for Jeff.

I know that using old clichés is frowned on in journalism circles, but I am going to use one anyway; It’s a Small World!

Early in June I visited relatives in Ypsilanti, Mich., and how was I to know that only seven miles away in Dexter, Mich., Mr. and Mrs. Howard Koch were happily packing up their belonging for their move to Ames.

Arriving home in July, I find they are my next door neighbors. A knock at their door and an interesting interview soon told me they take their grandparenting seriously . They have realized through the years that they were missing a lot in not seeing their grandchildren growing up so upon Mrs. Koch’s retirement, they decided to do something about it, hence their move. We talked and talked … something most grandparents love. I could tell by the sparkle in their eyes that they had already been birthday-partying and sightseeing with Ben, age 11, and Jeff, age 6. Both boys attend Meeker school. A third grandson, Carey Mundt, age 6, lives in Dike – he certainly adds another dimension to this Vital Connection.

Mr. Koch, an expert in photography must feel that this new arrangement has been made in heaven, what with these charming subjects at his fingertips.

My own grandchildren somehow crept into the conversation. They too have passed the rocking chair age (I admit I gave it up just last week. My 15 and 16 year olds just don’t fit on my lap anymore – their long legs have no place to go).

Ames is lucky to have Mrs. and Mrs. Koch as new members of this community. They like Ames already and feel it has many and varied opportunities for senior citizens’ enjoyment …. and I’m pleased that they are my neighbors.

One of my favorite poets, Edgar A. Guest has written a poem entitled What Grandchildren Do. The first verse speaks:

This is what a grandchild does:

Brushes off the years;

Polishes a grandpa’s smiles;

Banishes his fears;

Lightens up his step a bit;

Brings him tasks to do;

Teaches him to play once more,

Games which once he know,

Leads him to the candy shops, in

His world of men

Sends him on his daily round,

Yong at heart again

Used with permission.