Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Grandchildren

When we got back from out trip the first thing we did, is call my daughter and son-in-law and see if they and our two granddaughters, could come over for dinner and family night. It had only been a few days that we had seen them, but Jeff and I realize that they might not live close forever, so we want to spend as much time as we can with them. I loved getting away, and it was the perfect vacation. Still it was also nice to have my house full of the kids and everyone working together in the kitchen creating dinner and a special dessert. Angie and I had to check the garden and see what had grown since she had been gone. Now I know those of you who aren't a grandparent yet, probably think we are way too crazy our about our grandkids but... all I can say is wait and see, it is wonderful!

"If becoming a grandmother was only a matter of choice, I should advise every one of you straight away to become one. There is no fun for old people like it!"
-- Hannah Whithall Smith


I read a quote the other day that said ..."A grandmother is a mother who has a second chance." That is really what it feels like. Since you don't have the responsibility to raise them, then your job is to just love,teach, and play with them. I feel like I  have the time now to play more and yet I  still have the guilt of maybe not playing enough with my kids, so yes, it does feel like grandparenthood...is a second chance to make things right! They also love you unconditionally and that is a huge thing. This story tells it best and I could totally relate, since my granddaughter Angie was only little over 2 when I was diagnosed the second time with cancer. She has seen me go through a mastectomy and radiation and much more...and loves me just the same. I think that is why this story hit such a deep part in my heart. Enjoy!

 
The sincere and innocent wisdom of a child never ceases to fill me with wonder.
Last year I had surgery to remove a tumor from my thyroid gland. I had staples across the front of my neck for a week afterward (a true Frankenstein look) and then a very angry looking red scar after the staples were removed. Since I couldn't tolerate a collar against the wound, I became very creative at wearing scarves. My granddaughter Caitlynd, 3 1/2 yrs old at the time, also started wearing scarves.
The two of us had a grand time picking out 'the perfect scarf' for our outfits and finding unique ways to tie them. As I opened my closet door to choose our scarves for Caitlynd's fourth birthday, my precious granddaughter put her hand on my forearm and said, "Let's not wear a scarf today."
Looking into her serious little face, I took a deep breath and closed the closet door. On the way out of the house, I took a quick look in the mirror and felt the tears rise in my eyes.
Her birthday party was a big affair and I knew people were going to stare at my now---bright pink scar---and whisper about it behind their hands.
To this day, I don't know if Caitlynd saw the well of tears I fought back or sensed my hesitant mood, but as we walked out the door she said, "Don't worry Grammy, I'll hold your hand."
And she did, all day long. I haven't worn a scarf since.

http://www.motivateus.com/stories/caitlynd.htm

"Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves, without rebuke or effort to
change us, as no on in our entire lives has ever done, not our parents,
siblings, spouses, friends-and hardly ever our own grown children."
Ruth Goode

 

"A grandchild fill a space in your heart that you never knew was empty."  ~ Unknown

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