The Unspoken Bond of Being “Bruce”: A Grandfather’s Reflection

My wife Sharon, our grandson Tony (from Sharon’s son Brad), and myself in the Galapagos Islands

The Unspoken Bond of Being “Bruce”: A Grandfather’s Reflection

In any other family, I would be affectionately called “Grandpa.” Yet in Sharon’s family, I am simply “Bruce,” a name rarely also uttered by my three grandsons due to physical and emotional separation.. This seemingly small difference in nomenclature underscores a deeper, more complex dynamic—a chasm that reflects how familial titles shape our relationships and identities.

Names and titles carry weight. They are imbued with the power to define roles, set boundaries, and create emotional connections. “Grandpa” evokes a sense of warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. It’s a title that positions one as a pillar of strength and a repository of family lore. On the other hand, “Bruce” is just a name, stripped of its familial significance. It places me on the periphery, an outsider looking in.

Despite the title—or lack thereof—I’ve come to cherish the wisdom passed down through generations. My grandfather’s lessons still resonate with me, guiding my steps and shaping my philosophies. In many ways, “Grandfather” now represents the divine masculine within me, a spiritual archetype that transcends biological ties. It is a source of strength, courage, and divine guidance.

“Grandfather, Great Spirit, thank you.” These words have become a mantra, a way to honor the wisdom of my ancestors while acknowledging the interconnectedness of all life. My real family is the Universe, a cosmic entity that embraces both the divine feminine and masculine. It is an infinitely expansive hug that encompasses all life, transcending the limitations of human relationships.

Family is a dual concept—both biological and spiritual. While my grandsons may not see me as “Grandpa,” they are still part of my spiritual family. Every interaction, every shared experience, is an opportunity for them to catch a glimpse of who I really am, beyond the lens of personal or familial judgments.

Me, grandson Mitch

Me, grandson Mitch, and Sharon on 2021 Rome, Sorrento, and Amalfi Coast vacation in Italy.

Perhaps one of them has already seen it, even if just for a fleeting moment. Perhaps during our vacations together, they experienced a connection that goes beyond childhood impressions and preconceived notions. Vacations have a way of stripping away the mundane, allowing us to be present in the most precious moments. They offer a unique setting for the Universe and our spiritual families to give love back to us.

Shared experiences, especially those removed from our daily routines, provide fertile ground for reconnection and understanding. They allow us to see each other in new lights, free from the shadows of past judgments. These moments are invaluable, not just for the memories they create, but for the deeper connections they foster.

In these precious moments, I hope my grandsons can see the true essence of “Bruce”—a man who carries the wisdom of his ancestors, who recognizes the divine in all things, and who loves them unconditionally, even if the title of “Grandpa” remains elusive.

The significance of familial titles cannot be overstated. They shape our relationships and influence how we perceive each other. But beyond these titles lies a deeper, more profound connection—one that transcends biological ties and taps into the universal love that binds us all.

To my grandsons, I may always be “Bruce.” But in the grand tapestry of the Universe, we are all interconnected, part of a divine family that transcends names and titles. And in this most precious, present moment, that is more than enough.

I invite you to reflect on your own family dynamics and the titles that shape your relationships. Consider the potential for deeper connections beyond these labels. After all, we are all part of the Universe’s infinitely expansive hug—a spiritual family bound by love and understanding.

In Hawaii, Jasper Elote, our grandson from Sharon’s daughter Hayley