The impression a grandparent likes to give grandchildren is that of a Renaissance genius — that grandpa is the Michelangelo of the 21st century. When the grandchildren ask a question (especially when the grandchildren are very young), we want to be their encyclopedia. After all, how difficult is it to explain a light-year to a three-year-old? Haven’t yet tried? Well, are you in for a surprise!
But even explaining what are surely simple things, can turn a grandparent’s world upside-down. For example, what do you say when asked: “Poppy, what are the extra [shoelace] holes for in my sneakers?” Well, that’s a stumper? I have to admit that in all my years, I never once thought about those holes — I just ran my laces through them and walked on. It wasn’t a mystery that consumed hours of my time to solve, but it turns out I should have been more curious.
Here is the answer in case you get asked:
You’ll never be stymied by that question again and have expanded your knowledge base — exactly what a professional editor should do.
We now return to our regular editorial programming…
Richard Adin, An American Editor
An American Editor 
After watching the video, I hurried off to look at my new Nikes to see if they have this feature—sure enough, they do. Now I’m educated and I may avoid that minor discomfort I’ve felt when running. Thanks to you and your grandchild.
LikeLike
Comment by Camille DeSalme — May 15, 2015 @ 9:56 am |
Good to know! Grandkids or not! Christine
LikeLike
Comment by C.E.Robinson — May 15, 2015 @ 11:51 am |
Thanks for this. I was wondering why sneaker laces are so long!
LikeLike
Comment by Shmuel — May 17, 2015 @ 12:13 pm |
Ah – enlightenment!! Thank you!
LikeLike
Comment by anansii — May 23, 2015 @ 4:18 pm |