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.