Wow! Who could have told me? How could I have known? The joy of being a grandmother is the absolute best!
Remember when the children were little and oh, so time consuming? Changing diapers, getting up in the middle of the night and spending hours trying to soothe that crying babe. Yes, it was wonderful, but it was also a difficult transition. Then came the toddler years when they got into everything, from dragging the toilet paper round and round the house, to hiding my shoes when I was rushed to get out the door to work. It's funny now, when I think back.
Then came the youngster, who had to know everything, but already knew everything - full of life and always on the go. From dance classes to baseball, it was quite a challenge keeping up. But that was nothing, compared to the teen years. Whew! Despite the mood swings, emotional outbursts and the occasional heartbreak, I made it through.
The day my daughter had her daughter was miraculous. I stood beside her bed in the hospital as she suffered the throws of labor and held her hand while she just about squeezed the life out of it. Then the moment came. I was in absolute awe! I laughed. I cried. I never felt such total joy in all my life!
Now my grandchildren are 10 and 11 years old. I have watched mom struggle with all the same things that I went through, with more yet to come and I am amazed by her strength. The one who was once a little girl and needed all that nurturing is now nurturing her own brood. As did I, she juggles a home, a job and the children every day with such grace.
As for me, I now get to enjoy those little ones, without the stress and strains of motherhood. I can just visit them, love them, hug them, enjoy them and go home with a full heart. Yes, being a grandmother is the very best thing in the whole world.
It took many years and countless struggles, but I finally made it!
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Comments: 8
We're expecting our first grandchild in August. I must admit that I've begged off on being in the delivery room with my daughter, unless she requests it. I'm afraid I'll turn into a mother lioness if I see Michaela in pain - wouldn't help things if I start whalloping the delivery team ;)
Thanks for sharing this!
My granddaughter, on the other hand, is 11 and a blonde-haired beauty, but is also mentally delayed. Because of this, she behaves more like a 5 year old. While this could make most people very sad for her, it brings me so much joy. Can you imagine! I still get to spend hours playing dolls and other kid's games with her, as well as reading her stories!!!
Do you remember when your children were little and you wished they'd never grow up? Well, it's kind of like that. While she can be difficult at times, she is so sweet and full of love. She calls me her best friend because I'm the only one who takes the time to play for hours with her and that just makes my heart soar!
And we have this little thing going. I will walk in and she will say, "Grandma, you're beautiful!" I will say, "No Hannah, you are beautiful!" And we'll go back and forth like this several times. What more could I ask for????????
Life has never been so grand!
my only child Beth is going to be 18 this year..I am not ready for her to have kids of course, and I am not ready to be a grandma at 35!
Yep, the best part of being a grandparent is " I can just visit them, love them, hug them, enjoy them and go home". The "with a full heart" part is nice too.