Well, it is time to put away the Christmas decorations AND time to “store” the memories from the holidays. My 2011 memories will be include connections with 11 grandchildren scattered across the US ~ spent 8 days with my “West Coast 4″ ages 17 to 7 months.
Christmas services with the grandkids
A few days before my arrival I received a surprise call from my teenage step-daughter: “Hey, Grandma Sherry, I am going to be in a performance the day you arrive. Do you want to see me?” I responded a BIG YES. Once off the phone there was a warm spot in my heart because my step granddaughter had called and asked me to see her perform! Later watching her in the play I realized how much she has developed into a beautiful young woman since joining our family 6 years ago.
The two little boys were full of energy and I loved watching them jump on the mini trampoline I bought for them. The toddler boy is my “6 AM alarm clock,” coming down the stairs to “see if Grandma is awake on the couch!” I wanted to sleep a little longer, but knew now’s the time to enjoy this quiet one- on- one with him. Another memory that stands out with him is when guests were over visiting and he kept pointing to me and saying: “that’s my Grandma!” He was so proud to show off his Grandma!
What can I say about sweet Baby Girl – as she has been dubbed by Mom? There is nothing more precious than a baby new from Heaven, learning and growing, crawling, laughing when you play peek-a-boo with her, wanting to be held, smiling; and smacking her lips when Grandma introduced first, smashed, avocado to her!
My mid-west grandsons picked out very cool Christmas presents that I will wear with pride. The phone calls to keep in touch over the holidays are priceless! Getting the current pictures of the another set of teenage grandkids was special – on the Beach and both in blue (my favorite color!) – and arm in arm, brother and sister. What a joy to watch them grow!
I love that social media, like Facebook gives me a regular window into my grandkids lives both through their posts (from the teenagers) and the funny stories shared by their parents.
Recent research found: ”it’s healthy to spend some time with grandparents…Grandparents make a difference in a grandchild’s life.”
However, I would like to add a RESOUNDING affirmation that grandchildren make a BIG difference in a grandparent’s life, as well!!! We sometimes get cynical and jaded and forget to take time to “smell the dandelions.” Being around grandchildren gives us a new zest for living, a chance to sing and run and play, a glimpse of nature and life through a child’s eyes – to slow down and watch a butterfly or see the moon in the sky or pick up a rock or stick or flower – just because. The ordinary and mundane become magical and exciting when grandchildren see them for the first time! And the tales these little ones weave – imagination at its best. Grandparenting gives Boomers energy and a fresh perspective for these “Mature Years!” I am so grateful and blessed to be matriarch of this grand family!
Watch for more blogs addressing this wonderful stage of life!
