Always A Great Blessing

Recently, my grandson Caalab Royce came to Casper for a visit with his parents, his sister Shai, and her boyfriend Angelo. Caalab moved with his parents, Amy and Travis Royce, to Ferndale, Washington right after he graduated from high school in 2014. Since that time, I obviously don’t get to see them as much as I did when the kids were little. Having him here took me back in time to the little boy that he once was. Caalab loved to play with my long hair from the time he was a baby, and unlike most babies, or kids for that matter, Caalab was very gentle with my hair. He never wanted to pull it, just to run my hair between his fingers…ever so gently. And…it wasn’t just my hair. When he was first dropped off at the daycare, he was very upset, until one of the teachers, Rachel let him play with her tight tiny braids. He loved them…and her. After that, he settled right in, often making sure that he was always sitting next to Rachel…when he wasn’t playing with the other kids that is.

Caalab always had a smile that lit up his whole face, and that hasn’t changed at all. That smile is a big part of him, and it’s always a joy to see. Caalab is a happy person, who can draw just about anyone into his circle of friends, and believe me, they feel honored to be there. Caalab has never known a stranger and calls most people his friends. He is very loyal to those he loves and treats them very well. His smile hasn’t changed much since his little boy days, and his laugh is still infectious. These days, like many men, he sports a beard, but that’s about the extent of the change on his face. It was so good to see him and be able to share a few good times. We were able to go on a hike to Garden Creek Falls with his parents, as well as his Papa, Bob. It was a lot of fun. Caalab has always loved going for walks and hiking in the mountains, so this was right up his alley.

The visit was short unfortunately, because they were here to celebrate his great grandmother, Virginia Hansen’s 90th birthday. It was such a blessing for the family to still have her with them. Still, even though the visit was short, I was so pleased that they were able to make the trip, and so pleased that Caalab was able to make it with his family. While I am happy that Caalab loves living in Washington, I nevertheless miss him very much. Through the years, he has been such a blessing to me, and even through the years when he decided that it was great fun to pull a large strand out hair straight out and swat at it…gently of course. I have always love having my hair touched, brushed, and yes played with, and Caalab was always happy to oblige. He loved and still loves the feel of hair. He was always a great blessing to me and still is. Today is Caalab’s birthday. Happy birthday Caalab!! Have a great day!! We love you!!