I have spent the last few days enjoying vacation time with my daughter, Emily, her husband, Stephen, and my granddaughter, the sweet wee Evie (who has been a bit under the weather with an ear infection and fever, but has been very good-natured inspite of it). And here are a few things I have learned from watching and interacting with Evie, who clearly possesses wisdom beyond her years.

* look at all the world with wonder every time you walk out the door

* fully engage with the people who are loving and nurturing you

* share a smile with a stranger

* laugh often — in absolute and utter delight

* try hard at whatever you attempt to undertake

* learn from your mistakes

* learn by listening carefully

* learn by observing patiently

* when things don’t go well or when you are tired at the end of the day, allow yourself to be consoled and comforted by people who love you

And I am sure there is much more that the wise little girl has to teach me (or already has taught), but my experienced brain can only take in so much at once. So I will leave it there for now, knowing that my life is indeed richer because a lovely wee beastie calls me Gran.