Being a Grandma is a Blessing

Being a grandma is like being given a second chance to enjoy the experiences of watching babies grow and playing with them, those precious moments which most working mums missed out on when their own children were young as they were too busy with work and other matters that needed their attention.

Some grandparents would beg to differ as they feel that they've done their part bringing up their children and to look after grandchildren would take more than they can give, of their energy and their time. They rightly feel that it is time for themselves to do the things they have been looking forward to. This is true but one has to weigh the pros and cons and make the decision to either become actively involved or  keep their distance. Sometimes there is no choice as the distance can be geographical as in my case.


Thus the days that I have with my baby grandson are very precious.  His waking hours are a real joy as he can now interact more.  His smiles and gurgles are sweet music to my ears. Giving him his feed, burping him and rocking him to sleep brings me pleasure.


 Anyone who has cuddled and rocked a baby will know this special feeling.


I have been playing with him and telling him stories. There is a particular book which he likes and he gets excited when he sees a particular picture.  It is a brown squirrel with a bushy tail.  He gets very excited when we come to the page of the squirrel holding a big nut.

I'm back home, having left with a heavy heart. My heart grew heavier and heavier with every mile that the plane put between us. News that he is unwell sends me into the dumps as I worry about him and his discomfort as he struggles through coughs and a blocked nose. Even when he doesn't poo gets me worried.  I fret over when he will get recover even as I pray to the Lord for his quick recovery.

Since he arrived in my twilight years, I dare say that I will not see him grow into manhood or even a teenager, like my other two grandchildren who are now teenagers, bless them. They have also left home to study in another country.


So I'm going to begin a project which will record the stages of my grandson's growth. I will include the photographs and videos and of course I will speak to him and tell him of things which he probably won't remember. I'm not sure if it will be a digital album as I'm a tech dummy.  I have yet to learn how to create a video incorporating photos and a voice over. Help!!!


 This is what I plan to do and God willing, I hope there will be enough time to do it. I need to do this as I want him to know his grandmother who loves him.  I want him to know how much he has enriched my life. When he is old enough to read and understand, I hope he will find this project an interesting glimpse into his infant years and know that he had a grandma who once held him in her arms.

Until my next visit, I have to be content with the photographs and videos that his father sends me.  Thank goodness for smart phones!