Out of Control by Heath RobbinsIf your life looks like this, better days are coming.
It's worth the hassle of having kids just to get grandkids. They're so different from regular kids—they love completely with no expectation except receiving love back. It's a forgiving, tolerant, accepting kind of love. They aren't trying to improve us, or change us. We're good enough. Who else loves us that way? They aren't embarrassed by us, and actually expect us to be a little eccentric, which gives us confidence to just be ourselves.
TwinkiesIf you don't have any grands of your own, there are plenty of kids that could use an extra grandparent. Neighbors have made my grandkids doll furniture, brought over bottles of bubbles, lent Disney DVD's, let the kids sit with them in church and taught them how to rake leaves. A friend of mine makes doll clothes for grand-nieces, and another teaches beginning piano for free. Kids have plenty of love to go around and once you get a little, you'll want some more.
Lucy and OpaHere's some perfect advice for grandparents: "When you get right down to it, life has a fairly simple formula. Everyone needs a victory every day. That's what keeps us going. Each of us should do what we can to give others opportunities for victories. And each of us should do what we can to minimize moments of defeat for the people we love." —Don Gale
Jake and Opa
Oma Tea Party
Jake and OpaMy Uncle Don was widowed in his 80's and lived many more years. He became a volunteer at a nearby elementary school, reading to the kids a few times a week. Other days he went to Primary Children's Hospital and rocked sick babies when parents weren't able to be there. He was a stooped old man when Aunt Rosie died, but he had a spring in his step and the eyes of an angel after he became a volunteer grandpa.
Oma Tea PartyWith twenty grands, (from thirteen years to fourteen months) I'm surrounded by the goodness of kids. They give me perspective—I remember what it's all about. All those out-of-control motherhood days seem worthwhile in the great land of Oma-hood.
So, hang in there, moms.
In a few years little kids will seem absolutely grand!
I'm still at the 'kid' part but last Thursday I took my son to get a haircut and there was a toddler all of about 20 months getting a haircut. His mom apologized for his behavior before he was even in the chair...Sure enough, he screamed and cried throughout the entire ordeal, so Nicholas looks at me and says, 'you'll never be a Grandma!'
ReplyDeleteOh well, I hope he changes his mind in about 15 years, but until then I'll enjoy my boy!
Oma, that first picture is how I feel everyday. My husband and I were watching an old episode of Family Ties last night and it was about how the kids get older and then they don't want to "hang out" with you any more. It was sad and oh so true. My husband said that's going to happen to us and we're going to miss them. So embrace the craziness because one day they are going to be off doing their own thing and we're going to miss them. But then I get to look forward to grandkids and have it all over again. I hope!
ReplyDeleteAmen Sister! I'm right there with you. My daughter, Katie, shares your posts routinely with me & I'm so glad she does. We have 4 grown children & 7 grands with another due by Christmas ... they are so delightful, each & every one. And you're right ... they make all the tough times as a parent so worth it.
ReplyDeleteSo true! And, isn't it interesting what is so humorous to a grandma that wasn't at all funny to us as mothers (or to the current mother)? On bad days I tell my daughters - just let the child live to see me one more time! Then we all laugh (mostly me).
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. Great post!
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