So, what’s it like being a grandma?

Wow. How does one truly describe what it is like to become a grandma? Baby Clara is 1 month old now.

What a wonderful month it has been. Over the past month the most frequent question I’ve heard from others is, “So, what’s it like being a grandma?”

How do I answer that? It’s amazing – incredible – surreal – overwhelming – precious – fulfilling – wonderful….and so much more.

Clara has certainly captured our hearts and we are all so thrilled to spend as much time as possible with her.

Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting. ~ Author Unknown

Grandmas never run out of hugs or cookies.  ~Author Unknown

One of the most powerful handclasps is that of a new grandbaby around the finger of a grandfather.  ~Joy Hargrove

I absolutely LOVE being a grandma. There is this magical sense of understanding that my job is merely to LOVE – in great heaping quantities. I get to be Clara’s (and my future grandchildren’s) biggest cheerleader. If no one else will listen, I will! In reflecting on how does one really grandparent well? I am drawn to the example of some of the best grandparents I know – my own mom and dad.

I learned from my Dad to take long walks with your grandchild, showing them the little flowers in the cracks of the sidewalk. To be the one who bribes them with a dollar to “go potty in the big potty” and to cheer with them when they announce they earned a dollar for a successful trip to the potty. I learned from Dad to let the world’s demands stop for long stretches of time to watch a movie with your grandchildren. Dad also was famous for stretching out and taking naps with the grandkids. He also taught me how important it is to just be present for the grandkids…showing up at basketball and soccer games, school plays and talent shows, awards banquets, whatever! I learned that duct tape can fix anything, literally, and to always have it on hand to help your grandkids. I learned to help that it is important to indoctrinate your grandchildren with great big doses of Johnny Cash and other country artists. Dad also always tried to insert his great wisdom into any automobile purchase to make sure that the car had cruise control as a feature; seriously would make or break a deal. Thanks Dad – I miss you so much but am thankful for the great example you were and how it has prepared the way for me to be a good grandma.

From my mom I learned to teach your grandchildren all the silly songs in our family history….Chickery chick cha la cha la, Down in the meadow in an itty bitty pool, The cannibal king with the big nose ring, Knock knock – who’s there – turn the latch – walk in, White coral bells, Playmate – come out and play with me, Inksome a dighty…and the list goes on! I learned to hunt at thrift stores for some wonderful frocks for dress up clothes and to create a space where your grandchildren can come and escape into the wonderful world of kings and queens and princes and princesses as they use their imaginations and creativity to wander through the wonderful world of make believe. I learned to be on call to back up mom when needed, to watch your grandchildren when they were sick or when mom and dad needed a much needed break. I learned to share Jesus with your grandchildren, to look for every opportunity to remind them of who Jesus is and to foster in them a desire for a relationship with Him. I learned to make my home a space where grandchildren can come anytime for a meal, to stay for a while, to play ferocious competitive games of Rook, Yahtzee, Chicken Foot or Scrabble. Mom, my girls have LOVED having you as their grandma and watching you with them and all your grandchildren has prepared me for this season of life more than you will ever know!

Though Clara is only 1 month old today, I have so much I am anxious to do with her. Having had a road map created on how to be a good grandma from my parents, I’m anxious to use it as a guide and to also add my own touches and scenic routes to the adventure. For now the sweetest words of my day are, “Hey mom, can you come watch Clara while…” Yep, I’m on it!