Milestones in children’s lives are such fleeting moments. Even if you’re around, they’re easy to miss: like first steps, first words or first letters. For us long-distance grandparents, witnessing these precious moments is pretty rare. But, If you’re lucky enough to catch a milestone, it will certainly be memorable. You’ll play it over and over again in your head.

I know, because some months ago, out of the blue, one of those special moments landed right in my lap.

A Little Background

During video chats, I’ve tried to have something on hand to do with my long-distance grandkids. My school-aged granddaughter seemed to enjoy whatever activity I had. Her imagination was boundless and her attention to detail laser focused. On the other hand, her younger brother was not so easily entertained.

He much preferred construction to conversation. As with many children his age, it was a challenge to hold his attention online. So most of the time, my grandson would leave after a short while. He’d slip off into another room and just do his own thing.

And that’s how our chats would go.

Then suddenly one day, the grandparenting stars aligned just right! In the special moments that followed, I witnessed a profound change in my grandson. From the beginning of that video chat until the end, I watched a transition from toddler-hood to little boy.

To Catch a Milestone

Our video chat began like the ones before. That day’s activity was storytelling. I had a teddy bear and colorful story cards for inspiration. My granddaughter jumped right in and enthusiastically began weaving elaborate, fantastical tales as I held up the bear and the cards.

And as usual, my grandson watched for a short while and wandered off to play with his toys.

Then much to my surprise, my grandson returned with his own stuffed bear and brought it over to the computer screen. Wondrously, before my eyes, he started to tell a story, one of his first ever. He began, “The bear went to the store and got a green cake and went home and put it in the freezer.” He repeated the sentence over and over again, becoming more excited each he said it.

Such a simple thing. Just a little story. But I knew so much more was happening. Everything he had watched and learned until then was coming together. And the result? A sweet imaginary story he created not only for himself, but to share. This was a milestone in the making!

What an amazing experience. I held my breath, not wanting to break the spell. I just didn’t want it to end. So, I continued to ask him questions to move the story forward, like, “Why did the bear need a cake?” and “Why did he put it in the freezer?” My grandson answered each question, repeating his story and looking as if he was just so tickled with himself.

How Do You Catch a Cloud and Pin it Down?

Remember that lyric from the “Sound of Music”? To me, it very much describes how it feels to be part of such a special moment. You don’t know when that magical time might appear, but when it does – you”ll want to hold on tight.

I’ve also come to believe that catching a milestone may be more than just be about luck. Being patient and accepting our grandkids for who they are might also pave the way.  Not so easy to do on video chats, right? But, over time if you build that trust with your long-distance grandkids, a milestone to remember might float by.

Have you caught a milestone you’d like to share?