Vegas Voice 7-18

From Baby to Man
By: Rana Goodman / On My Soapbox
For the last 23 years, my grandson Alex has
been (at least in my eyes) “my baby.” Those
of you who are grandmothers will understand
what I’m saying. The guys may not get it, but I’m sure you will.
Once our children grow up and marry, and present us with
grandchildren, it is a totally different feeling than we had with our kids.
I mean we no longer must be the disciplinarian. We “earned the right”
to spoil them and then, if there are any “issues,” just send them home,
right?
Well, Alex was the youngest of my daughter Michelle’s three kids. So
I think, (ok, I admit, I know) I spoiled him the most. After all, he was
my baby. Anyone who has been in my home can attest to that from the
dozens of photos showing him at many stages of his youth.
This month however, I had to finally admit it was time to let go. “My
baby” Alex graduated University of Nevada, Reno with 4 engineering
degrees! Without any bragging (okay, maybe a little), he is on his way
to set the world on fire…. GO BABY GO!
But all is not lost for this grandmother. On the horizon, living in
Texas (San Antonio, to be exact) I have another crop. Three greatgrandchildren:
ages 3, 2, and 10 months. And compounding my joy,
across the state in Austin, next month, balloons and shouts will be
heard with the birth of yet another baby girl. I still can’t believe it! 4
great grandchildren!
How in heaven’s name did I get to be 50 years old with four greatgrandchildren?
Just kidding. I like to believe I’m counting backwards
each birthday now - that is until my daughters remind me it doesn’t
work.
Nonetheless, walking around my backyard enjoying the beauty that
is our summer with flowers blooming everywhere, it is easy to put the
stress of every day aside and soak up the sun.
With great grandson Cohen
I can sit back, smile and just concentrate on the good things we have
in this world. I’m glad to say that family, friends, great children (yes,
I still refer to them as children even though many of them have
children of their own) within my and extended family, along with all
the dogs are what makes this a reality. Reflecting on that, I wouldn’t
change places with another soul.
*I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful summer and hope to see
you at our Vegas Voice Sizzlin’ Summer show on August 19 th . I promise,
it’s going to be the entertainment show of the year.
This is What We Do!
The Vegas Voice received a Proclamation from
the Las Vegas Mayor and City Council last
month for its efforts in protecting seniors. The
award recognized “The Vegas Voice for being an
exemplary example of bringing awareness of
elderly abuse to the community.”
Publisher Dan Roberts and political editor Rana
Goodman thanked the public officials for the
prestigious honor and recognition.
Happily, and proudly standing with the award are
(left-to-right) Mayor Carolyn Goodman, Vegas Voice
president Ray Sarbacker, Rana, Dan, Councilwoman
Michelle Fiore, Councilman Bob Coffin, Vegas Voice
project Manager Bill Caserta and Councilman Cedric
Crear. Photo: Michael Roberts.
10
July 2018