“Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day
and now the day was complete.”
~Marcy DeMaree
All of the grandparents I meet tell me how much they appreciate being with their grandchildren. Certainly part of it has to do with the fact that they’re not with the kids ALL THE TIME. They’re typically not doing all the tough work; the middle-of-the-night feedings, the time-outs, the toilet-training. But I think their enjoyment has more to do with the fact that they know how brief these precious years are. All of the old cliches ring true, “They grow up so fast,” and “It’ll be over in the blink of an eye.” Grandparents realize how fleeting this time is, so they cherish every moment with their grandchildren.
Gramma P holding a month-old Crazybaby
Wouldn’t it be wise then, if we parents started to think like grandparents? My husband and I actually have an advantage over most of you out there, because we’re older parents who technically could be grandparents! Sometimes we FEEL like grandparents!!!
The key is to cherish it all. What a cool word. Cherish. I think I’ll teach it to Pip today.
Gramma J with Pip
What a wonderful treasure you are giving your children—seeing their childhood through your loving eyes. As adults they will know how much love and dedication you gave them—-all in your own words. As one who loved being a mother and now is blessed with 6 wonderful grandchildren, I have great admiration for you. I remember well how busy it was when my three were little but also I remember how every day there were many special moments if only one took the time to appreciate them. Keep up the writing–it is a priceless legacy.
Thank you so much Janice! Your words mean a great deal to me because I know that you inspired your children through writing. You took the time to write beautiful love letters to your kids and it made a HUGE impact on your son. He, in turn, writes inspirational letters to his students and so many of them have been encouraged by his words. What a beautiful legacy that is!!!