I’m usually not at a loss for words but, having a grandchild – the feelings are indescribable. My daughter Kelly delivered Troy Robert Molnar on July 28. We were sitting with Kelly’s in-laws in the waiting room, when her husband Josh walked in, wearing a totally deadpan expression. We were expecting another update but instead he blurted out, “It’s a boy!”
Much crying and hugging ensued. Later, I got to hold Troy – all seven pounds, twenty inches of him. A Forest Park restaurant manager had told me that holding a grandchild is like holding a blessing. He was right. Troy was a gift we didn’t have to work for, although I did dye my hair gray to look the part.
Kelly was a trooper during the delivery. Her name means “brave” in Gaelic. I’ve often seen her courage on display: from watching her learn to toddle safely up the stairs to seeing her complete the Chicago Marathon. Before that, Kelly was adventurous enough to enroll in a college in Michigan where she didn’t know a soul.
She met her husband there and Josh later moved from Detroit to Chicago to take a job. It’s not easy to tear yourself away from a close-knit family and friends but Josh made the sacrifice.
The couple found a house in the western suburbs, thanks to Forest Park Realtor, Joe Rice.
Former Forest Parker, Nicole Rice, lives a half mile from her new nephew. She’s provided solid support for her big sister. I knew the kids would be good friends when they reached their 20s but never expected such great teamwork.
Troy’s timing couldn’t have been better, because my wife and I miss the days when we pushed strollers. I tried to enjoy the pool this summer but felt it was mainly geared to young kids. I walk past the baseball fields and don’t recognize the players or their parents. Plus, our friends tell us there’s no joy like having a grandkid. They get to spoil them, before returning them to their parents.
So, spoiling Troy will give us a chance to reconnect with the Park. It has a playground, where I used to push his mother on a swing. Forest Park also has candy stores, shops where we can buy him frozen treats, and a bakery. When Troy gets older, we can introduce him to archery, bowling, pool and, of course, softball.
I’m thankful Troy has such fine parents. Kelly said she’s wanted to be a mom ever since she was a little girl. She has a very nurturing nature. Josh is exceptionally caring and protective of his young family. Like many dads, he’s thrilled to have a son.
I was also thinking of the significance of Troy’s name. The dictionary said it’s the unit used in weighing gold. How appropriate.
John Rice is a columnist/private detective, who has seen his business and family thrive in Forest Park. He thoroughly enjoys life in the village and still gets a thrill smelling Red Hots, watching softball and strolling through cemeteries.
