The Old Gray Mare?
31 Aug 2010 3 Comments
in Andrew, family, Uncategorized
Grandmother. Grandma. Nana, Mi-Mi, Me-Maw. Granny? Gran? Grand-Mi-Mi? I’m about to become one. The due date for Lexi and Andrew’s son is November 7th, 2010, which is only two page turns of the calendar away! I’m beginning to think about my new role as, well, you know.
It’s much more than a name. I called both my grandmas “Vova”, since they lived in Brazil and that is Portuguese for grandma. Neither of them spoke more than a few words of English, but we loved one another, and somehow, we communicated that. A grandma makes an impact on the lives of those she touches, often offering an easy relationship with the younger generation, who she adores besides. Grandmas give presents and have treats at their houses. They teach family traditions, tell stories, find fun places to take the kids. It’s a ROLE, for heaven’s sake, such as I never realized. My new role….
God knew I’d need role models, so I’ve watched Grandma Di and Grandma Elsie, my kids’ grandmas. If my mothering was lacking, well, they had their grandmas to make up for it! They have passed on so much to my three! Sewing and cooking, love of music, knitting, organizing, cleanliness, manners and thank you notes, pure, unconditional love, godliness, truthfulness, responsibility, faithfulness, love of nature, flower arranging, teaching, confidence…..I honestly am just typing frantically, without pause. There is so much to be grateful to both of them for.
Although Grandma Di has passed, and my own mother lives far away, I have fabulous grandmas to watch as mentors! Karen, and Linda, Deb and Barbara, Donna and Michele , just to name a few. Ladies that have done this, have become this “grandma thing” that is so new to me. Women who still look pretty, are active and fun, but are grandmas! Strong, doting, doing women, who will soon be my compadres in this adventures of being “Nana.” God knew I’d need them, and they are all around!
My grandson will arrive soon and my life will never be the same, I know. I already love him. He is already a “someone” whom I think about, pray about, hope for and dream for. He is an important soul, and one of my favorite on the planet earth.
Perhaps, being honest with myself, I’ve already crossed over in grandma-hood, considering I already have the penultimate thing every grandma needs…..love. From here, it’s just about being and loving. God, you created me, you know me, you know what I’m lacking and where I’m weak. Give me love! Give me more love! And now, let me lavish it on this new little one. Thank you, Lord. I love being grandma.
