My wife and I are experiencing (as grandparents) a unique déjà vu. Twenty-four years ago, we experienced with watching concern and anxiousness our daughter’s and now son-in-law’s dating and relating. We are again going through similar ‘pain’ as our number two grand-daughter is living with us, as she undertakes tertiary studies. You’ve guessed it, she and her latest ‘beau’ have announced that they are officially an ‘item’, i.e. a couple. It’s ...

A young boy sat in a science class, his eyes fixed on a beaker sitting on the teacher’s desk. The teacher’s words were muffled to the boy’s hearing as he thought of his dad and how great it would be when he was no longer busy at the firm and they could go fishing one weekend. But deep down, he feels this may never happen. An executive sat in his leather ...

Speaking as a grandfather of twelve grandchildren, I am grateful for having been a father, and now a grandfather. It’s a constant challenge, doing the right thing all the time. I wonder if the grandkids know that saying, ‘Like father, like son’? I’m gradually learning! And how about this one: Q. What’s grander than a dad? A. A grand-dad! ___ William Lackenby, Moss Vale, NSW, aged 76 years. Bill and Joan ...