Reflections from a Grandmom
Mina is such a happy baby. When I got these pictures, I was feeling kinda down in the dumps. After getting these pictures, I placed this one as my wallpaper at work as well as on my home computer - and it lifted my spirits where I couldn't help but smile.
All day, she would make me smile and lift my spirits. My friends at work, can't help but comment on how cute she is.
Being a grandmother is a wonderous journey. I anxiously waited never knowing what to expect when Mina finally made her introduction into the world. It is a different experience for me now. In the past, I defined myself as a mother - directly shouldering the care and training of my kids. I have prayed for them, worried on their behalf and have arguably talked (perhaps too much) to them hoping that they will see value in my opinions, perspective and advise. Now as my kids have grown up and moved away, I lean on the knowledge that I did my utmost to steer them in a direction that will give them life skills for successfully living. But now....
Now as a grandmother, I watch on the sidelines wanting so much to be part of Mina's life but not knowing how. (Am I the only one that has experienced these feelings). I am in unchartered waters my friends but I wouldn't change a thing. I look forward to watch and cheer from the sidelines as my granddaughter grows and matures. I'm so proud of her parents. My son, Dustin and his fiance, Desiree, are as parents, shouldering the responsibilities in an equitable fashion. They both adore their daughter. In this day and age of absent fathers, I'm proud to see my son go about his business of being an effective and meaningful dad and a supportive partner for Desiree. Dustin is an active caring male figure for his daughter. Arguably, the most important male role model his daugher will ever have. Desiree, is a natural with strong maturnal instincts. I'm proud to see how Desiree has stepped up in everyway and is following the tradition every mother is familiar with. Raising her children to know how to be loveable and how to love. This preparation comes in many ways, from establishing bounderies so she can feel secure, to supporting good life habits/manners so she will be able to relate to others. Desiree is attentive to her daughter's physical needs and emotional well-being - this is evident to anyone that sits and observe mother and child interaction. It becomes increasingly obvious to any outsider that she has a bond with her daughter that is strong never to be broken.
As a grandmother, I join the sentiment of grandparents all over. We'll always be there to cheer you on, to give a shoulder to cry on or to pray for the health of our families.
