Soothing Saturday: Two New Leaves on the Family Tree
Last November, my family tree sprouted two beautiful new leaves — twin grandchildren, Safina Cora and Cayde Roe. Becoming “Grandpa” (times two!) has me reflecting on love, lineage, and the surprising joy of parenting’s second act.
Soothing Saturday — is my little corner for slowing down and stepping away from my usual genealogy deep dives. Think of it as a gentle exhale at the end of the week — a space for reflections, small joys, and simple stories written just for the pleasure of it.
Yes, Safina Cora and Cayde Roe arrived together, and just like that, my heart expanded in ways I didn’t know were possible. You’d think after years of watching other people’s families grow, I’d have been ready for it — but nothing really prepares you for holding your own grandchildren for the first time.
Being a grandfather, I’ve discovered, is like parenting with a softer soundtrack. There’s no panic, no pressure — just pure joy and the occasional diaper emergency that someone else gets to handle. I get to swoop in with cuddles, stories, and terrible singing, then hand them back when they start to fuss. It’s a wonderful arrangement, really.
As an amateur genealogist, this whole experience has stirred something special in me. I spend so much time looking backward — tracing names, dates, and stories of those who came before. But now, for the first time, I’m watching the story move forward. Safina and Cayde aren’t just names on a chart; they’re the newest branches, the living continuation of all those ancestors whose lives I’ve been piecing together.
There’s something grounding about that — realizing that family isn’t just a collection of records or memories, but a living, breathing story that keeps unfolding. These two tiny humans have suddenly made history feel alive and the future feel wonderfully close.
Of course, I’ve also learned that being a grandparent comes with its own learning curve. My knees aren’t quite as cooperative for floor time as they once were, and apparently baby gear now requires a degree in engineering to assemble. But that’s all part of the fun — figuring it out, laughing at myself, and marveling at how much joy two small people can bring into a room.
So this Soothing Saturday, I’m just feeling grateful — for family, for continuity, and for the reminder that life’s greatest blessings often arrive in the tiniest packages.
Here’s to new leaves on the family tree, and to the sweet chaos they bring along with them.
Until next time — may your coffee be warm, your records be legible, and your heart find a reason to smile. Have a great weekend!
