Monday, November 21, 2011

Monday Moments with Privet and Holly

Today I'm joining Suzanne over at Privet and Holly for Monday Moments.
In this season of gratitude, I want to write about a profound change that happened in this past year.  In March,  my granddaughter was born. 
Natalie's hand in Grandma's hand
Before I became a Grandma, I basically thought "all Grandmas are nuts."  You know, the way they go on and on about their grandchildren?  It doesn't matter if they have one or nineteen, the subject of grandchildren comes up and they talk on and on.  I would think to myself "yeah, yeah, yeah, crazy Grandma."  I remember a few years ago when one of my friends became a Grandma and she was so excited and actually wanted to be called "Grandma."  I thought first of all we are too young to be a Grandma, never mind actually be called  "Grandma."
Grandma's socks, Natalie's socks
Then baby Natalie was conceived and my whole world changed.  She turned me into an oooey, gooey marshmallow.  It is difficult to put into words.  First of all, she looks so very much like my daughter did.  I never thought I would hold a baby in my arms again and look into the face of a baby that looks just like my daughter did.  It never occurred to me.  Having a grandchild is something like having a child, only better.  Grandma gets to have all of the fun.   And the office of Grandma?  What an honor.  What an honor to be called "Grandma."  (That is what it is for now, unless Natalie comes up with something different.)  She is my pride and joy.  She lives back east.  I live in the midwest.  I try to see her once a month.  With the exception of one month (which about killed me) we've done well. 
I pass a billboard in our town which reads "celebrate your child's every accomplishment."  Immediately, I thought of Natalie.  First smile, holding a toy, sitting up, first tooth, up on hands and knees, standing.  Each accomplishment is celebrated. 
Baby Natalie and Grandma
Grandmas may be nuts, but oh the joy, the pride, the intense love that we feel for grandchildren.  I was blessed to have three grandmas in my life (maternal, paternal and great-grandma).  I was close to all three of them and especially close to one of them. 
This past summer my daughter turned twenty-nine.  I cried.  Doug said "oh, honey, you'll see her soon...you sent a card, she knows you love her."  I said "I'm not crying because of her- I'm crying because I hope I live to see Natalie turn twenty-nine!"  Life is precious, but grows more precious with each passing year.  Then you become a Grandma. 
This year I am thankful for my family and especially thankful for our newest member. 

11 comments:

Holly said...

What a true blessing she is! I so hope to be a grandmother someday, it's not looking like that will happen.

Kris said...

I do believe you said that perfectly Grandma! It is lovely, and grand. And I cannot imagine my life without them in it!!!
I missed your bed post somehow. Probably because I was a sick pup, and still taking care of all the grands!!! I started to feel like you were describing....aching back, sore shoulder, and knees...etc. We bought a new bed and it all went away. But now I want another new one. This was almost 10 years ago. I think I need to get a new one again! Here's to good sleep!!!

Marti said...

Oh, I love the grandkids, too. Mine stretch from 21 to 5. Each one is so special. I take so many pics so as they change I will be able to remember every precious thing. So, go Grandma.

TARYTERRE said...

This was a LOVELY piece. Touched my heart. Grandchildren are the gift that keeps giving. I know exactly how you feel, grandma. I have two grandchildren, a boy 5 and girl 7. I'm not allowed to post pics of them on the internet, though. Take care. Happy Thanksgiving.

Anonymous said...

She's adorable, no wonder you're nuts! I'm looking forward to being a grandma someday.

Chatty Crone said...

I know and agree with you on your feelings 100%! sandie

Anonymous said...

Give her extra hugs and kisses and just love her with your whole heart....forever and ever.

There is nothing like it in the world.

farmlady said...

Well Grandma, now you know what we were all bragging about. I was the same way. I couldn't understand what the fuss was about... until I received the gift of my first little boy grandchild from my son and his wife. Then I knew.
Now I have two.
Have fun with this child. She will love you in a very special way. It's a blessing to be a grandma.

Sandy, Sisters of Season said...

Beautiful pic of you and your sweet Natalie. She is precious. Enjoy "grandmahood" and blessings, Sandy:O)

Donna said...

Cheryl,
I love this post. Once, many years ago, Marie Osmond was interviewed and she said the biggest desire of her heart was to be a wonderful grandmother someday. It struck me.
I would have to say that is my desire as well. I already know I will be one of THOSE grandmothers; the ones with the photo albumns in the purse; the ones with knitting projects going for them (and I don't even knit! (yet))
I know that you are transformed by Natalie. But truth is, I can imagine it because I know how transformed I was when my babies were born. Life totally changed in an instant.
And truth be told, I love the name "grandma." Some our age say anything but "grandma." Not me. No Nana nor GaGa nor Gma nor any other name will do but "grandma." Of course if something cute pops up, I'll go with it and love that too. But as you said, the "office" of grandma is an honor. Indeed!

Privet and Holly said...

So beautiful how
you articulated what
is surely in every
grandma's heart, Cheryl!
I was unable to have kids
until I was 32, so my
mom had a long wait to
be called Grammy! My
brother didn't marry until 41
and is now a daddy to three
littles at the age of 47!
We are actually on the
train to D.C. from NYC
right now to visit them!
Enjoy that special bond : )
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving
and THANKS for joining
in on Monday Moments!

xx Suzanne

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