Children grow up too fast! Next month I will have updated picture of Travis. October 20th will be his 14th Birtday! It seems like yesterday I was holding him in my arms singing 'You Are My Sunshine'.
Next to having my daughter, there has not been another feeling in this world than when held my grandchild in my arms for the very first time. My husband and I had the awesome opportunity to be present when Travis was born. Heather was a trouper, she had Travis totally natural. To be on the other side of child birth is truly amazing. My husband missed my whole pregnancy and delivery of Heather. He was a marine at the time and was stationed overseas. He came home on leave for two weeks, and next thing I was pregnant; when Jim came home Heather was a month old! So watching the birth of our grandson was an amazing experience for us both.
We have been more fortunate than most grandparents. Heather and Travis lived with us his first five months, then they returned to live with us when he was 4 ½ years old. They have either lived with us or close by ever since. I have to say that I have spoiled Travis; just a little. What are grandparents for?
From the very beginning Travis and I have had an extraordinary connection. I loved holding him in my arms while rocking him and singing ‘You Are My Sunshine’. He loved it so much that it was the only way we could get him to sleep every night! Something that was just for Travis and I until a couple of years ago was sugar time. When either one of us wanted a bunch of hugs and kisses we say to the other, “It’s sugar time!” It was such a sweet time. Now I’m lucky to get a hug! Teenage boys, go figure! At least he still likes to be with me though. We will play games, talk, and watch movies. We both love art and see beauty in almost everything. Since Travis was 6 years old he has always wanted to be a chef. He is the only child I know who loves to watch the cooking channel! At first Emril was the best; now he loves Paula Dean. Before my health deteriorated, he would help me cook and bake. Now, whenever I need to cook I have Travis do most of the cooking and I will supervise. I have found that I have much more patience than I did when I was raising my daughter.
Yes, being a grandparent is amazing. Someone once said, “If I knew how great it would be to be a grandparent I would have had them first.” As wonderful the experience is being a grandparent, I would not reverse it at all. I love seeing my daughter grow into this beautiful, loving, godly mother and see how she nurtures her son to become an amazing young man committed to his Savior.
There is a cycle of life. A time to be born, a time to give birth, a time to nurture, and a time to see the cycle come around again through our children. Grandparents have an important responsibility in this cycle of life. We have a great deal of wisdom to share. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. This is so true, especially in today’s day and age. Parts of your child’s village are their grandparents. Seek out their wisdom and guidance. This coming Sunday let them know just how special they are to your family.
For more information on Grandparents Day go to these sites:
http://www.teacherhelp.org/holidays.htm
http://www.grandparents-day.com/long_ver.htm
3 comments:
Bless you, and your grandchildren.
Great post about a great kid and a great position in life! I love both! (And you!)
What a special relationship you are blessed with to have with Travis and he with you!
We are getting Caleb's footprints ready to mail to his grandparents. Every year since he was born we have done a blue footprint the week after his birthday and mailed them for grandparent's day. I am not sure how much longer we will do this. This year I had to cut larger paper instead of using the 4 x 6 index cards I've used in the past!
Post a Comment