Damon Landeros is my great grandson. He’s really more than that; he is one of my best friends.

Damon is a frequent visitor to our home and has the run of the place. He has two TV locations, the computer, and of course, the refrigerator.

He has also been a great help around the house and does things to help without being asked.

He has been here for almost all of the Gonzaga games, and probably knows more than anyone about Gonzaga’s program, except for Mark Few. He knows all the players, their numbers and most of their statistics. During the games, I don’t always catch who scored, so I ask Damon. He knows!

I always feel better when I see him come through the door.

I don’t know if I have him under my wing or he has me under his wing. It’s a close call.

I have yet to see him when he wasn’t positive; it’s the way he was brought up. He can be funny, and also his just being here makes the day much brighter.

Often there’s not much interchange, but he knows the place well and always finds something to do.

He has become my lawn cutter and watering person. He is watchful and will do things on his own. He is on the payroll for the outside work. That’s how I started out, with a lawnmower route.

One of the first things to happen when he comes up is that I prepare popcorn for him. It’s somewhat of a ritual. No task here, I enjoy doing it.

What impresses me is that others see the same positive trait in Damon and are an encouragement to him. He is well known, both at school and in the community.

I have also enjoyed developing a close relationship with my grandson, William, in Portland. He has taken an interest in my past travels and some of my collections, which he is receiving, a box at a time.

I want to instill a longing for travel. It’s the best education I can think of.

So all of this is to encourage grandpas everywhere, get close to those grandkids. Your interest will enrich their lives and also yours. I can guarantee that it will take years off your life and add years to theirs.