Today, I got a phone call from Maya, telling me that she had lost her first tooth. She was so excited to call and share her news with me. What I can't take in is the fact that the tooth is out! How did this happen? Where did the time go? [I know she's a little early and that teeth generally do not come out at age 4, but really!] Amazing.
It's had me thinking about milestones and filled me with gratitude for the opportunities I have to be aware and participate in these milestones with a new generation of our family. I knew I always wanted grandchildren, but I never anticipated the joy I feel in each of these little people that are part of my life. I remember reading this somewhere: "A grandmother is a mother who has a second chance" and I loved it.
That says it all for me. As I look back, I'm not so sure I was a great mom. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I was a bad mom, but I can see lots of things I would change if I could. For example, I wouldn't threaten my kids with something that I really didn't want to carry through on. My kids knows exactly what I"m talking about here. I would hold my temper, and I would cherish every second with my three precious little ones. I think I spent too much time trying to be a great YW leader and not enough time trying to be a great mama.
So that's why I loved the quote about grandma-hood being a second chance. Now I know that I can love, love, love these precious grandkids without reservation. I know now that I won't spoil them. I can just play. I can listen, and I can put aside my 'important' duties as a Primary leader and just enjoy time with my sweeties. I can take the time to really hear the things they have to say, I can share what's important to them in their lives and not worry about what's important to me [because they are what's important to me]. There's never a danger of losing my temper now - -and I wonder why. Maybe because I know that there is nothing they can do that is worth that.
So, Daniel, Maya, Ben, Mason and soon Baby Simon -- thank you for giving me the greatest gift I've ever been given. You. I love all of you and I love being a part of your lives. I love it that you love me back.
Thanks for letting me be your grandma. You are among my sweetest blessings.
6.27.2008
Milestones
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14 comments:
you are such a sweet grandma! i know they are all thankful for you!
That was so sweet. Your grandkids are very lucky to have you for a grandma!
Okay, we are adopting you as our grandma for our kids. Jan, I just love you and think you are amazing. While I can't even imagine you being anything but a perfect and amazing mother...the reality of motherhood and my conversations with you and other women has taught me that we must all end up wishing we had prioritize better or done things differently. On one hand, I get frustrated with myself constantly. On the other hand, I think that I have my moments where I do all right and just hope my kids will remember that when I have my not so great moments. :|
Seriously though. I just love ya and am so grateful to know you and now Natalie just a little more. I'm always inspired by you. You make me laugh and often fill my 'adult' conversation time that I miss when it has just been the girls and I for a few days and Daddy is out of town.
I'll be hounding you for a long while. :)
Have a swell weekend!!
You are such a wonderful grandma Jan! This post just made me want to settle down and not be so uptight. Thanks for reminding me that nothing is worth losing our temper over.
I'd adopt you as my OWN grandma, but you're totally not old enough! So I'll settle for friendship for sure!
Also, I kinda think that you're being a fabulous mom in the process of being a great grandma, your kids see the love you have for their kids, and I'm positive that makes them all the more thankful that you're their mom. :) If I'm half the mom you are, I'll be a success!
great thoughts! I need those reminders about not losing my temper and not overdoing other 'good' things, and NOT focusing on the 'best' things! why is this so hard!?
just so you know, I think you are a fabulous Grama and Mama!!
Will you adopt me as a child and my kids will have an awesome grandma???
Well, I know for sure that you were and are a pretty fantastic mom - I think it's pretty obvious by the way your kids treat you, so don't be so hard on yourself!
great thoughts on grandma-hood! i love my grandmothers so much!
You are the sweetest!
Oh man I want to be a great mom too. I love how much your love your grandkids. They are so blessed to have you.
You are an awesome mom and grandma!!Your family is so blessed to have you! So is everyone else who knows you!!
I'm glad Mark is doing better! We'll keep him in our prayers!!!
Oh my goodness, Jan, these kids are so lucky to have such a loving Grandma! What a blessing--i think Grandmas & Grandpas are soooo important in kid's lives!!
Very sweet. So nice for you to include soon-to-be-baby Simon. You're very thoughtful.
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