Grandchildren: No Greater Joy
BY: JUDY JENKINS
Watching my own mother easily fall into the role of grandmother made me a little envious of all she was able to experience. While I was trying to stay on top of the laundry, get the weekly grocery shopping done, make sure schoolwork was completed along with a million other tasks, I marveled at how relaxed my mom stayed when the stress that naturally comes with being a parent of young ones was no longer a part of her life. Suddenly, it is removed when GRAND gets attached to parent. Whenever we were around my mom, each of my three daughters exploded with excitement. It wasn’t that we were doing anything spectacular ~ it was just being in her presence.
Almost three years ago, I got to experience the magic that I often witnessed with my mom when my first grandson, Charlie, was born. I vividly remember sitting outside the labor room when my daughter and son-in-law welcomed Charlie into the world. Hearing that first cry ignited a joy that is almost impossible to fully express. The beginning of beautiful things. And again, about a year ago, Hank (Charlie’s little brother) came into the world multiplying the joy. There is truly nothing better in the world!
“Life is complicated, incredibly busy at times, wouldn’t it be nice if we all could find ways to hit the pause button.”
Whether you are called Grandma, Grammy, Nonnie, or any variation, this role is unlike any other. It provides a lens into the past bending light to provide images of those special memories of when your own children were reaching milestones. It sheds light on what is to come. More importantly, it illuminates the present.
As a Mimi, the name Charlie crowned me with when he was first able to make sounds, I get to be a storyteller on some days, a playmate on some days, a role model and source of support on some days. All of these things are intertwined with being able to hit the pause button and just be present. Life is complicated, incredibly busy at times, wouldn’t it be nice if we all could find ways to hit the pause button. I think one of the greatest gifts of becoming a GRAND is having that pause button always accessible.
Once a week I watch the boys. It is treasured time. Witnessing their growth from week to week while being part of how they use their imaginations is an incredible experience. Being around young ones reminds me of how special those childhood years truly are and how blessed I am to be given this gift. As I get ready each week and pack up the car for my weekly visit, I wonder what the day will bring, knowing the hours with them are precious ones building special memories. When I arrive and open the door, I usually hear a squeal from Charlie with “Mimi” and see outstretched arms reaching up to the heavens just waiting to be picked up.
Always reminding me to pause and be present.
