Do you have a few moments? Do you mind if I tell you about my granddaughter?
I have started several of these essays with similar words. Just like every other grandparent on the planet, I enjoy telling anyone who will listen (and a few that have politely tried their best to not listen) about my grandkids and the myriad of ways in which they have blessed my life.
According to the current count, I have three granddaughters, two grandsons and two more in the on-deck circle just waiting their turn at bat (must be something in the water).
But, this little piece is just about my granddaughter, Cassandra. She is my first grandchild, and by virtue of that accomplishment, the first little bundle of joy that I held in my arms, causing me to spew forth tears as if I was a fountain at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
However, in the interest of honesty, all five of them have had that effect on me and I have every reason to expect the two that are on their way will have the very same impact. However, adding to all this, Cassy’s mother is my first child and that makes Cassy the first born of my first born.
That says it all.
Cassy is a brilliant, beautiful, talented young lady. That’s not just the biased opinion of a proud grandpa (and, yes, that is exactly what I am), it is the shared opinion of her former teachers, the judges for the Miss Apple Festival and Miss Cassopolis pageants, folks with the Future Farmers of America, participants at numerous high school band and orchestra competitions and all manner of good people that have watched her grow and shared in her endeavors. She is a pretty amazing young lady (just saying).
Along with all of her other accomplishments, she is a fourth generation trumpeter (no, that is NOT a political position) having played the same trumpet that her great grandmother played in high school — followed by myself, my nephew and then Cassandra.
That horn has gotten around, but none of us (except for great grandma) played it with the award winning passion that came from Cassy.
But, all of the above-mentioned accolades are not my real reason for writing this piece. Cassandra graduated from high school this past spring. With her skills and talents, she had a wide range of options and opportunities just waiting for her consideration. She is that smart and that motivated — she truly can be just about anything she chooses to be (again, not just the biased opinion of a proud grandpa — just stating facts, here). Her choice? To serve her country.
Out of all the opportunities before her, Cassandra chose to enlist in the United States Navy and, this morning, my perfect, first-born grandchild left for basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes north of Chicago. There, she will begin her training to be a sailor and to better serve her country with pride and distinction. My granddaughter will always be the first one to let you know that she is proud to be an American and eager to be a part of what makes America great.
Today, she is taking that pride in her country and beginning the next great segment of her journey through, what I know will be, an amazing life.
God’s speed, Cassandra. Stay safe. We love you.

Larry Wilson is a mostly lifelong resident of Niles. His optimistic “glass full to overflowing” view of life shapes his writing. His essays stem from experiences, compilations and recollections from friends and family. Wilson touts himself as “a dubiously licensed teller of tall tales, sworn to uphold the precept of ‘It’s my story; that’s the way I’m telling it.’” He can be reached at wflw@hotmail.com.