8.09.2007

Love is a Grandparent



I ran across this list of items complied by Erma Bombeck, describing grandparenthood. Can I just say that I loved this one?
"A grandparent can always be counted on to buy all your cookies, flower seeds, all-purpose greeting cards (insert school fund-raisers here!) . . . and a box of taffy when they have dentures.
A grandparent helps you with the dishes when it is your night.
A grandparent is the only babysitter who doesn't charge more after midnight - -or anything before midnight.
A grandparent buys you things your mother says you don't need.

A grandparent arrives three hours early for your baptism, your graduation and your wedding because they want a seat where they can see everything.
A grandparent loves you from when you're a bald baby to a bald father and all the hair in between.

A grandparent will put a sweater on you when she is cold, feed you when she is hungry and put you to bed when she is tired.

A grandparent will brag on you when you get an award that everyone else got too.

A grandparent will frame a picture of your hand that you traced and put it in her professionally decorated living room.

A grandparent will slip you money just before Mother's Day.

A grandparent will help you with your buttons, your zippers and your shoelaces, and not be in any hurry for you to grow up.

A grandparent will check to see if you are crying when you are sound asleep.

When a grandchild says, 'Grandma, how come you didn't have any children?', a grandparent holds back the tears."

Well said, Erma.

I might add that a grandparent also loves being told "you're not old, Grandma, you're new!" and "I love you all the way up to the sky and back", and "we'll always be friends, Grandma!". There is nothing that will ever replace those little arms around your neck, the happiness on little faces when you arrive, and the tears when you leave. Grandparenhood is one of my nicest blessings.

5 comments:

Hayley said...

that's so sweet jan! i think its almost the same with auntie-ness.

Jan said...

It is, Hayley!! I think that these kiddoes need all the love and support they can get from grandparents, aunties and uncles, Primary leaders and teachers -- they just need to be loved.

Unknown said...

that is so sweet! you are an awesome grandma. my kiddies love you so much. {and geez, love the shot of maya in green pants and a longhorns tee...that's a doozie!}

hoLLy said...

what adorable pictures! you guys are awesome grandparents. your grandchildren are so blessed to have you in their lives!

Kristi said...

Oh my goodness! Thise little sweeties are so lucky to have you! I LOVE this--and I love those pictures of you guys and the kids. SO awesome!