By Cheryl Ryan
2020 has delivered an unrelentingly barrage of bad news and oh how I’ve wished it would just end, until last week. While fires raged all over California my daughter delivered an 8 lb. bundle of hope and joy. True to 2020 it wasn’t an easy entry, but he’s home now and Mommy, Daddy and August are learning the ropes of becoming a family.
Honestly, I’ve been nervous about becoming a Grandma. I’ve really enjoyed hanging with our grown kids and the people they’ve brought into our lives. We’ve had amazing trips, family gatherings and celebrated some really fun milestone events together.
But as we all know the one thing that’s certain is change and just like that, I’ve joined the ranks of Grandmas. I’ve watched my friends fall one by one. Friends that run marathons, hike mountains, start new businesses and are always ready for a glass (or two) of wine. Once the grandkids arrive they can’t stop talking about them and if the kids are present they dash off mid-sentence to rescue a near miss or break a fall. Their homes become play yards and all activities revolve around grandchildren’s schedules. And now here I am.
It’s only been a week but what a week. It’s been a beautiful, surprising gift to spend the first week helping them transition from newly married to a family unit. I’ve had a flood of memories remembering those first unsettled, stressful weeks with my own children. I’ve watched as they’ve assembled gadget after gadget; the Snoo Bassinet, Motorola Baby Monitor and the fits and starts of securing Auggie into the Solly Baby.
But the greatest gift has been that my daughter and son-in-law have allowed me to share this intimate moment in time as they navigate their way through taking responsibility for a new life. They’ve been so very appreciative of my help but I feel that I am the truly fortunate one to be allowed to love on August while taking care of my baby girl. My heart is so full and grateful to be part of this journey. This week has reminded me of what is good and most important.
5 Comments
So exciting! Congratulations grandma!
It is exciting!! But you’ve already known this for a while 🙂
Congratulations I am so happy for you!
Congratulations Nana! It is truly a blessing to watch how it transforms young adults into caring responsible parents! My Elizabeth had #2 boy in May. Covid times made it interesting but she delivered unscathed by any of it. Sadly I couldn’t be there for delivery as with the first. At least her husband was allowed in the delivery room though.
I’m happy your family is growing, it truly is a blessing!
Congratulations to you too! I didn’t get to go in the delivery room either. But spending so much time with them once they were home was amazing. It really has been an unexpected joy to watch my baby become a parent. So much love 🙂 Thank you and stay well.