I have recently become a Grandma, something I've been anticipating with growing impatience for several years now. And it was worth the wait! I am so in love with my tiny grandson. I think about him everyday; it's a lot like falling in love, but the quality of the love is so uncomplicated. I don't have expectations, or resentments, or, really, very much responsibility.
Becoming a Grandma means I get to mother in a grand way: I can play with him, craft for him, talk, sing... and laugh, laugh, laugh. I melt at the sight of him, stare into his face, whisper to him. I miss him when I don't see him every day. I hope to be a role model for him, teach him skills, share my ethical wisdom, and my respect for the environment. But: I will follow his lead and his interests because Grandmothering is not about my ego. I get to dote.
Becoming a Grandma also allows me to parent my daughter again - cater to her needs and her parenting requests, bring her gifts and indulge her. I get to show her my respect for her by surrendering to her parenting decisions and playing second fiddle in her son's life.
This is a new phase of my life: I'm not teaching other people's children anymore - I'm reserving my energy for this baby boy who is my grandson. It's going to keep me young, and joy filled, and in the moment. And I don't have to make all the decisions this time, or be the disciplinarian. I look forward to the many, many grandma-treats and adventures, Grandma Camps and classes, birthday parties, and babysitting. And the BEST thing is: I get to do it all with Grandpa Wade!
“Becoming a grandmother turns the page. Line by line you are rewritten. You are tilted off your old center, spun onto new turf. There’s a faint scent of déjà vu from when you raised your own children, but this place feels freer. Here you rediscover fun and laughing, and reach a depth of pure loving you have never felt before.” ~Lesley Stahl
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