Whether you live with grandchildren, are longing for grandchildren, are retired in Arizona or are practising law in Regina, you will be very glad that you have this book. Put on a different pair of glasses and rejoice in the abundance of life, the joy and the pain of grandchildren as promised by all the great religions of the world. Ralph and Bev Milton have constructed a roadmap of generosity, humility, justice, peace and love to guide us on a unique spiritual journey that is truly open to everyone, whether you have biological grandchildren or not.
- Meg Hickling, author of The New Speaking of Sex (Northstone), and
recipient of the Order of British Columbia and Order of Canada.
"Our spiritual vocation as grandparents is to delight in our grandchildren." So begins Ralph Milton, in this latest addition to the beautifully and lavishly illustrated Spirituality of... series. More than a celebration of grandchildren, this book is a celebration of grandparenting, and of the very real gifts it offers to both the grandchild and to the grandparent.
Which is not to say that grandparenting is always easy or fun. While Milton shares lots of stories of hugs and giggles, of silly songs and tender moments, he also knows that many grandparents struggle with the challenge of long-distance grand-parenting, with the pain and tension of separation from grandchildren due to marriage breakup, and with the anxiety and distress of grandchildren who are in trouble or who are ill. But Milton doesn't dwell on these things. Rather, he returns, always, to the delight, wonder, and love, which is foremost in the experience of any grandparent; and to the inherent bond that exists between older adults and children.
This remarkable book is for grandparents who are new to the role and for grandparents who have earned their degree in "grandparentology" through long experience. It's for "traditional" grandparents and for grandparents of adopted children; it's for surrogate grandparents and even for grandparents-in-waiting.
Dr. Ralph Milton is one of Canada's best-known religious communicators, and a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters from St. Stephen's College, Edmonton. He also has an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Vancouver School of Theology. A former news broadcaster, open line host and church administrator, Milton is the author of 17 books including the bestselling Family Story Bible; Angels in Red Suspenders; and Julian's Cell, a novel based on the life of Julian of Norwich. On the Internet, Ralph Milton publishes the popular e-zine Rumors, which uses liberal doses of humour and story to communicate a lively faith. Co-founder of Wood Lake Publishing, Ralph Milton lives in Kelowna, British Columbia, with his wife and friend of 50 years, Beverley, a retired church minister. Together, they remain the ever-proud grandparents of Zoe and Jake.
"Retired United Church Minister, world traveler, and grandmother, Bev Milton brings sensitivity and insight to her writing. One of the major supporters of Wood Lake Publishing, since it's beginning on her kitchen table, Bev Milton resides in Kelowna, British Columbia with her husband and friend of 50 years, Ralph Milton, author and co-founder of Wood Lake Publishing. Together, they remain the ever-proud grandparents of Zoƫ and Jake."
These wonderful books explore the spirituality of several aspects of our lives. Each book covers a distinct topic and explores some of the reasons why these simple things can mean so much to us. Written by well-known authors, each of these hardbound books makes a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys these spiritual things.
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