Grands

Soon after your children are "out of the nest" it is perfectly normal to start thinking about having grandchildren "someday." You hear all the stories about how wonderful it is and how "if I'd known it was this great, I'd have had 'em first." So, when Brad, LaShay & Jason all got married within 11 months of each other, we knew that our time would come!

But nothing you dream about prepares you for that moment. One of my friends, Beth Moret, told me once to "...remember the way you felt when you first held your child. Now multiply it by thousands..." And, so it was. First with little Julia (affectionately known then as "Jelbie") we were overwhelmed. To hold that precious child of your child...oh, my goodness! Then, just 5 months later to once again experience the birth of our second precious grand daughter, Mallory. It is beyond words. Now, granted, it makes you feel old, but then you are reminded of scriptures that foretell the blessings of grandchildren. So, we are perfectly content with having a quiver full! Not sure our kids agree, but, hey, this is MY blog!

It's fun to watch all the changes and to be able to actually sit back and enjoy them. As a parent each change represents a change in your routine, your finances, your time...but as a grandparent, you can just sit back and think of each change as the cutest thing ever! So, getting old isn't so bad!

Watching Julia as she learns what "No" means and having to hold in the giggle when she turns and looks at you with those big eyes as if to say, "Do you really mean to tell me I can't do this? I think I'll just see if you mean it." And, then see her smile that big grin and show those new teeth! How do you say "No" to that? I was a first grandchild so I guess I now understand how my grandparents felt watching my "firsts" and then anticipating the second grandchild's "firsts." One of the most precious being the first time Julia took my face in her hands and gave me a kiss....oh, my! Now, I can hardly wait for Mallory to do the same thing! It just melts your heart! And, even now, watching Mallory as she discovers her hands/feet/favorite toys, brings such delight!

And, then...there are those who are hurting because they haven't been blessed yet with grandchildren. My sister and her husband are in that boat and struggling with the feelings of anger, depression and "whys." That's a time you can only lean on God and know that He KNOWs your hurt and loves you. It is trusting His heart when you can't see His plan. It is waiting to see the whole plan unfold, enjoying the blessings of your children and knowing He is there.

But as I look at Julia & Mallory I know there is a reason these precious children are called "Grand." It is because they are!