I have a date with a pretty young girl.

No, I’m not a lecherous old man. Okay, I am old, but I’m not lecherous.

The date is with my latest jewel, Addison Faith Kohlhofer … my new great-granddaughter. I haven’t made firm plans yet, but I’m thinking I’ll head out to the Buckeye state next weekend. And I can’t wait.

Adorable Addison made her debut at 5:09 p.m. Friday night at a very petite 5 pounds, 15 ounces and 19 inches of perfection. She and Mom Khristine are expected to be sprung from Flower Hospital in Toledo, OH, by grandson Zack today. Grandma Deanna and Grandpa Mike are excited. And Great-Grandpa Joe can’t wait to meet her up close and personal. Four generations … Wow. Who would have thunk! My only regret is Karen isn’t here to experience this with me.

I’m still not sure I’m ready for the “great” part. I always envisioned great-grandparents as, well, old. I suppose I am old but I don’t feel “great” old, just “grand” old. And, of course, this is my second shot at “great”-ness

But it reminds me I’m in another season in my life, my very blessed life. I’ve managed to grow up {okay, maybe in years, anyway} and watch my children and grandchildren grow up. Hopefully, I’ll get to witness at least some of my great-grandchildren’s lives … and still remember and appreciate it.

I think it’s amazing. I was an only child and Karen only had one sister. Yet, we brought five souls into the world, and they have added 17 more. Now Addison joins Payton as the next generation.

When I got the news — after following “progress” almost instantly through social media — I immediately thought of the presentation scene in The Lion King where Simba was lifted toward the heavens. I symbolically lift Addison toward the heavens, not for the oohs and aahs in this realm, but in appreciation of her Creator.

All I can do is pray for her — as I do for her parents and their parents’ parents. It’s a simple prayer. Lord, keep them close.

To Addison I utter the same prayer I prayed so many times over the years.

Lord, I thank you for this gift. Give my grandchildren the same strength and wisdom You blessed me and my children with to raise her as Your special child, with potential and possibilities way beyond their belief. They will not be perfect and neither were we. She will not be perfect and neither were we. But, let us all remember whose child she is … Yours. May Payton grow as a reflection of the One who made her all the days of her life.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles.