On the Joy of Being a Grandparent
When your kids are little, it's hard to imagine yourself as a grandparent. But the first time you hear that little voice calling "grandma", "nana", "grandpop", "poppi" or any other delightful pet name, it just seems so natural.
I have six grandchildren, ages 7 mos to 9 years, each with a distinctive personality. They all live a long plane ride away, so thank goodness for video chats! Four of the six are step grandchildren, but they are step grandchildren for descriptive purposes only. To me I am in love with all of them and they are all blessings.
Years ago, after my mom died and my kids were teenagers, my dad moved from Philly to Atlanta so he could be close to us. He went to the Braves games with my son, shopping with me, visited my daughter at University of Georgia. We went out to eat every Sunday for brunch, lunch or dinner, often with my husband Jeff's mom, who lived in the same senior apartments as my dad. There are so many priceless memories and it was so meaningful for my children to have their grandfather living close to them in the final five years of his life. My kids often tell me how much they miss their grandfather.
Grandparents can form a special bond with grandchildren. Unconditional love abounds. We give and receive love from our children, but are so caught up in child rearing, that the joys of parenthood often go undetected. But the joys of grandparenthood. . . . are pure and simple. I listen to their tales of learning to read, doing multiplication, going to sleepovers and birthday parties and genuinely applaud activities and accomplishments both large and small.
So on this Mother's Day, I salute my children and the gift of grandchildren they have given me!
I'd love to hear your tales of grandparenthood!
2 Responses
Bennett
Thanks mom, that was beautiful!
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Sharon
August 19, 2014
Just stumbled on your lovely piece on grandparenting. We, too, have been blessed with grandkids—-several of them step. I’ve fallen in love with them! They are my own as if they were blood, and your article just touched my heart. Thanks for the affirmation!