Sunday, 9/13/09, is National Grandparents Day. Does this mean we get presents? Have a special cake? Served a phenomenal dinner? Naw, everyday for me is Grandparents Day. I don't need that stuff. Everyday I experience the joy of hugs, laughter, love, being down on the floor building imaginary towers with blocks, drawing monsters on an etch-a-sketch, getting good night kisses and "good morning doo-dah's," diaper changing (okay, not really a joy) being a living trampoline for the Monkey boys, teaching them life's "little lessons" and a myriad of other life-fulfilling events I never imagined it would be like; things I have no memories of experiencing with my own grandparents. (although, some may have occurred, I'm sure) Becoming a grandparent is a strange & natural transition from being 'just a parent,' no longer being too busy with day to day life, seeing your heritage in yet another generation, one you aren't totally responsible for, where you can re-live those moments of your own kids early years and try to do better at, taking time to more fully enjoy the little things and not see them become problems. It's much harder to say "no" to a grandson with tears in his eyes. I heard it said, "Don't kill your kids, you'll miss the joy of being a grandparent." or "If I'd known being a grandparent would have been this much fun, I'd have just had grand kids." (I know I know, impossible) I have a new saying:, "Enjoying your grand kids is a privilege God only gives us older folks. These joys offset all the aches & pains we never had and weird sounds we never used to make." Ron Swift, circa 2009.
5 comments:
How fun for you guys to experience being grandparents. :)
You're the best grandparents! I just read about some grandparent's day celebrations they're going to have in Henderson! This weekend, too!
Tears in their eyes rips my heart! And, as a grandparent, I can feed them Oreo's for breakfast and not think a thing about it. :O)
Can't wait for that stage in my life. It sounds so much easier than having kids!
Being a grandparent is truly a joy, partly because you usually only have full responsibility for a short time, if you want it -like I did with overnight stays or taking them places.(not often there are 8) Your grandma Em stayed with us a few weeks when you were born, and my mom came occasionally to help when you were little. They both adored you; but no "rough" playing like you do with Cohen and Sandler. They were more into cuddling! (grandpas not so much) And, grand parents day is a new "holiday", no big deal! It is a blessing in itself.
Post a Comment