06 Sep WHO do I want to be as a grandma?
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of sitting on the couch next to my Poppy watching CHiPs and Little House on the Prairie. My grandfather was a man of little words, he had a brain injury from a car accident and needed a cane to help him get around. Although his body was weak and frail I didn’t notice. He was my hero. I sat glued to his side as we watched our favorite shows and I “read” to him from the sales catalog. I didn’t really know how to read, I would just look at the pictures and make up stories about the man mowing his lawn. My grandfather would laugh and ask me questions. I see more clearly now as an adult, the full picture. What I loved so much about my grandfather was that he SAW me. He took the time to acknowledge me.
My definition of family expanded while raising my children as a single mom. Parenting and juggling life left me in a constant state of exhaustion. Sometimes I didn’t know how I would make it through the day. Looking back, I see how God had placed people in my life, many of them grandparent figures who helped meet basic needs, provided support, and influenced the character of my children. Some of these relationships were for a season in time and others have spanned a lifetime.
Grandma & Grandpa Keating provided stability in their home as we were looking to purchase our own. Miss Delma taught my daughter card games and the types of birds who were eating out of her bird feeder. Miss Peggy watched cartoons with my son and let him eat out of her special snack tin. Mr. Brett helped build a clubhouse in the backyard and brought my kids Christmas shopping. Miss Mary provided warm hugs, a plethora of stories, and a sparkle of interest in her eye.
The beauty of families is that we all look different. My family includes several grandparents who have loved their way into my family and my kids’ hearts. Each one, in their own unique way, took the time to connect and sent the message: I SEE YOU, YOU ARE IMPORTANT, YOU DESERVE MY TIME. There is such value in these relationships, with each generation sharing life and knowledge with one another.
When I became a grandma a few years ago, I had mixed feelings. Not about being a grandma, but about finding the right grandma name …Grammy, Nona, Memaw, Abuela, Granny… they all sounded so old! I needed to find a name that I wanted to be called for the rest of my life. I decided on “Gram”. After deciding my new name, I realized the more important question was, “WHO do I want to be as a grandma?” 
Looking at the examples and legacies of the grandparents in my life, I found my answer. I want to be authentic and fully present. I want my grandkids to know that I will be in their corner. They are important to me. I will listen to them. I will encourage them. I will provide a safe space for them to just be themselves. I know that taking time to connect will never return void. It strengthens bonds, builds relationships, and opens the door for future conversations.
Grandparents Day is September 8th. We celebrate grandparents and the love and joy they bring to our children, as well as the strength they bring to our families and communities. Grandparents, take some time today to invest in the children in your life. Building relationships with your grandkids is so worth it! We teach children what is important, that THEY are important.