Editor’s note: Gardendale jeweler Bob Boffa submitted the following article about his trip to Ft. Myers, Fla., with his grandson, Blaine. The two baseball fans were at the Boston Red Sox spring training camp from March 19-23.

The greatest memories of my life are the times spent with family. I truly believe this is the real treasures of life being passed down.

This spring our family trip spanned not only hundreds of miles, but two generations. It was a little touch of heaven, as I watched my 13-year-old grandson, Blaine, bob, weave, jump and run, with flashy eyes ever darting, not missing a second.

He wasn’t exercising per say, or even playing sports. He was up before dawn and standing with his papa at the gates of the players’ entrance at the Boston Red Sox spring training site in Ft. Myers. The child’s goal of just two autographs seemed simple enough, but something else clicked in — the love for the game.

Over the next four days, rain or shine there we were, waiting, talking, laughing and joking. It’s amazing what comes out in those times, like the troubles of youth, the aches of age and other exchanges made with love in mind.

It almost seemed like names like Youkilis, Smoltz and Pedoria weren’t as meaningful as “papa.”

The latter was MVP in Blaine’s eyes. I think I could see a future MVP in him, too, looking back at me.

On the trip back, Blaine’s 22 autographs from players on the 40-man roster were neatly packed away. The most valuable gift was the time we spent together, now safely locked in his heart.

Whether your spring trip was to the hills of the north or to the Florida beaches, it’s the time of togetherness which truly touches heavens’ gates.

Treasure and enjoy.