Not so long ago, I would get shocked responses when I told people how old my daughters were. People would say you are too young to have kids that old! Lately, that has not been the case! But I really don't mind. Yes, it is true that we live in a society that worships beauty and youth. The elderly do not seem to command the respect they once did when extended families and our grandparents often lived in the same household. How can we restore the value and respect for the elderly in our society? How do we develop a more caring nation? It is my hope that by spending time with your grandchildren, they will learn from you, love you, and value you.
I, personally, have always valued old people. They have so much knowledge, so many stories to tell, and so much to teach us. My friends often complain that their parents are a burden. I feel my parents are a blessing. I always feel gratitude that my children have had the benefit of having most of their grandparents alive and hoped that they value those relationships. My paternal grandparents died early but I loved the time I got to spend with my maternal grandparents. I have fond memories of Fanny and Max. Today, I feel it is a privilege to be a part of my grandson's life. I feel so incredibly lucky. Being a parent is a full time job-it is a lifetime commitment that has many emotional ups and downs. It was and is hard work filled with much worry and many, many rewards. And that job never ends. But as grandparent, you are no longer in charge. You no longer have to multitask. You don't feel the same level of stress. You can just be.
My grandson has my full attention whenever he wants it. Hopefully, spending time with him will teach him the value of the elderly (that's me and Pops!). He will look forward to spending time with us and not think of it as a chore. Rather it will be an adventure!
Part of being "Nonni" means you have a free pass to sing and dance like a madwoman, and get some guffaws and giggles. No grownups are there to judge your silly behavior (except maybe my daughter and son-in-law). By spending time with your grandchild, you will gently try and transmit values, ethics, kindness, and respect towards others. I am sure my own children and their peers critically examine how they were raised and then decide what their parents (my husband and I) did wrong and what they will do differently with their own children. I, too, did exactly that. And, although my parents are terrific, the major mistake they made was choosing to move away from their children and grandchildren. They missed out on the greatest experiences ever. And, my daughters missed out as well. I am never moving away! People often say the good thing about being a grandparent is you can give the child back to the parents. Actually, I think that's the worst thing about being a grandparent! I don't like having to give him back! My grandson makes it all worthwhile. When I am with him, no problems exist-I live in the moment. It is pure ecstasy! I can't imagine missing out on all of this fun.
So, what is the reason for all this sappy babble? Well, I am going to visit my parents (yup, the ones that moved away) for an entire week. I can't wait to spend time with my mom and dad. But, I am already in withdrawal knowing I can't see my grandson for eight days! I know he will not even know I am gone, but I will miss him like the dickens...
I hope he remembers me-maybe I will bring him a pet alligator for the bathtub. That ought to make his mom and dad very happy! And so my spoiling begins..
Elizabeth Berg says, "Obviously there was something to this grandmother business. So far as I could tell, it was like being the queen of England, minus the inconvenience of having to wear a crown."
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