SuperGramma

My youngest daughter and her family went camping last weekend. After their first night in the tent, Grandson had spots all over his forehead. Looked like he was attacked by an army of mosquitoes. By noon, Grandbaby Girl had them too and Grandson was covered. Being the all-wise grandmother I am, I looked at the medical book and confidently stated they had the measles.

By the next morning, the spots looked a little different and Grandbaby had a strange cough. No doctor’s appointments available, so off I went with daughter and the kids to the walk-in clinic. The verdict – chickenpox, although a more rare kind that doesn’t form pox and then break. Grandson was still feeling fine, but Grandbaby had a fever now and her breathing was terrible sounding. Doctor said take her to the hospital emergency department as it could be serious. So off we went again, this time leaving Grandson with Poppa.

A few hours later, Grandbaby was admitted to hospital suffering from severe croup as well as chickenpox and spent the night and following day. Mom, of course, stayed too and Grandson got to sleep at Gramma’s house. He never acted as though he was upset that Mom and baby sister were in the hospital -  after all, he’s five years old. But his favorite stuffed dog never left his arms and when sister finally came home he kept hugging her. For a few days after, they even managed to play together.

Home at last

It was hard to see Grandbaby so ill, although I know that is the daily experience of many families. It did make us realize again that people are more important than things and we need to cherish our times together while we can. So if you can see your grandkids, give them a hug and let them know how special they are to you. And if they can’t be with you, keep them in your prayers and close to your heart.

Technorati Tags: chicken pox, croup, sick grandkids

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One of the best things you can give to a child is the gift of a memory.  The memories you create when you’re with them and those that you share from your life. Grandkids especially love to hear stories about their parents when they were growing up.

When my youngest daughter was about four years old she wanted to have a garage sale. We set her up in our yard with a little table and she brought an assortment of toys and clothing that she’d gathered from around the house. Then daughter and a little friend of hers waited eagerly for customers. They waited and waited, but no one came. We could see the sadness creeping in to their adventure.

So my husband decided he would brighten daughter’s day and become her customer. He dressed up as an elderly lady, complete with wig and marched around the house to the garage sale table. Daughter didn’t recognize him and watched as he picked up first one item and then another. The strange lady tried things on, played with the toys, asked outrageous questions. When he finally chose his purchases and asked for just one shoe, daughter realized something wasn’t quite right. At that point she began looking more closely at her customer, who could hardly keep a straight face. I didn’t dare go out of the house I was laughing so hard.

Twenty-six years later, daughter still delights in that story. Next time you’re with your children or grandchildren, slow down for a minute. Ask yourself  if this is a chance to create a memory. Then go ahead and do it.

Technorati Tags: creating memories, times with children

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Children and pets. They go together like peanut butter and jam. When our kids were small, we had almost every pet you could think of – except snakes. I even managed to live with a small lizard in my house and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be.

The down side of pet ownership is the fact that small animals and birds don’t always live long. At least in our house they didn’t. We had exotic fish that were eaten by a pet turtle. Lesson learned not to put them in the same tank. Gerbils that ate their young unless we moved them out quickly. A rabbit who died of old age, a little ornery by then. A dog who was hit by a car. Birds that lost their feathers and wasted away. And a guinea pig that in spite of much attention from the local vet, still died.

Grandson, now just turned five, loves birds. His first one was a little finch that he talked to, showed all his new toys, and shared secrets with. But one day when he came home from school, his beloved Abu was lying on the bottom of his cage. A budgie named Flyer took his place and although apt to nip at Grandson, he was still a favourite. For some reason, Flyer didn’t live long either.

There weren’t as many tears the second time, but Grandson still gets teary when he talks about his birds. He can show you where they’re buried in the yard and asks if they are in heaven now. He’d like to get another pet and is thinking maybe he should have some fish. Then every so often, we’ll see a robin or a morning dove outside the window and in a little voice he’ll say “But I really want to have a bird. Why do they have to die?”

Children and pets. They belong together. And it breaks your heart when the bond between them is broken.

Technorati Tags: death of a pet, children and pets

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These grandkids are wearing me out. They’re cute and cuddly, they say and do the funniest things, but they’re like the battery that keeps going and going. And my energy is gone and gone. Women don’t usually have children past middle age for a reason – we can’t physically keep up with the little darlings.

I really admire those grandparents who are raising their grandchildren full time. I don’t know how they do it. In my small town there are a large number of these full time grands, some are up to 70 years old. Can you imagine? I only hope there are government programs that help them both financially (which I doubt) and physically. They are the real supergrammas, willing to give up their retirement years to be a hero to their grandkids.  One website that deals with full time grandparenting is called New Grandparent Rights and as a new site, they welcome your comments on the issue.

Now I’ve got to get some rest and prepare for tomorrow. Grandson and I have been out collecting rocks and he’s anxious to start painting them. I do love the interaction, just wish I could trade this old body in for a new model that could keep up with the activity. Any suggestions to help my energy level?

Technorati Tags: full time grandparenting, active grandchildren, child care

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These days, while watching my two grandchildren during the day, I am learning a lot of lessons from them.

I’m learning persistence from four-year-old grandson. Each day he tries to throw his hat on our coat rack. Since he is aiming for the highest hook, that’s not an easy task. Sometimes it takes him fifteen minutes or more before he can do it. But he refuses to give up. Landing on the middle hook isn’t good enough either. He tries until he accomplishes what he’s after. I would do well to model that behaviour.

Grandbaby is teaching me the value of practice. She will climb up and down her highchair until she has mastered the climb. Once that’s mastered, she’ll add other skills, such as standing up when she reaches the top. The word ‘fear’ isn’t in her vocabulary, nor is ‘impossible’. Regardless of the task, she practices until it becomes easy for her.

Now excuse me while I go and practice my cooking. I am being persistent because at my age you would think I didn’t need any more practice. Unfortunately, I do.

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