Granddaughter

I have grandchildren who are living in my house. These children, living so close by, know me well and I know them.  We have a day to day rapport which runs deep.  I am able to delight in who they are as I know them so very well.  They will soon move a few miles away when their new house is ready but we will remain close and I will share in their lives as they grow to adulthood.  I will also be blessed to live in the same town with their new little cousin when he is born in just a couple of months.  I can't wait to enjoy those days of holding a newborn and then, as the years pass, truly knowing and enjoying this child is he grows and develops..

I also have grandchildren who live far away.  I only get a peek into their lives once in awhile. Recently I was blessed to spend two weeks with my youngest granddaughter and her two big brothers.

My little twenty month old toddler was shy at first, but a storybook soon enticed her onto my lap. Her warm little body and curly head were delicious to this grandma who had only known her as a baby. Now, going on two, this child had a real personality and I enjoyed each moment of getting acquainted.

Tenderhearted, sweet, gentle, beautiful, shy, smart, clever, darling, enchanting are all words which describe my little girl, Very quiet at first, I thought she had acquired little language but I was soon to be amazed that she could say almost anything she wanted. She made her thoughts and wishes known in a household of rough and tumble brothers, and even held the upper hand at times.

We bonded during our time together over toys and dolls, puzzles and books.  We bonded too sharing nursery songs.  This grandma sang and sang and also shared nursery videos on her phone.  "This Little Piggy" and "The Wheels on the Bus" helped connect the generations.  Her mommy was amazed at how much her baby learned from these songs. We had a great time and especially enjoyed those hours when we were alone together while big brothers were at school and mommy was at the gym. My baby got to know me and I got to know her.  

My little girl called me "Grandpa" which was yet another new name for this grandma. Believe me, I loved the name because it came from the lips of my darling little baby girl who I now knew just a little bit better.

I was indeed glad that my visit lasted over two weeks, because enough time passed that I got to see her true personality reveal itself.  But alas, the time was too short and "Grandpa and Grandpa" were on their way to new adventures and saying goodbye was indeed difficult. Now time and space separate us until the next reunion. My little girl will grow and change before we are together again, but hopefully a little bit of me remains with her and she knows how much I love her.

I cherish those moments we had together.  It's amazing how much a grandma's heart can hold!

Hearts

Two years ago I began a Pandora travel bracelet.  My first charm, the Eiffel Tower, was delightedly and unexpectedly found at a store next to The Louvre.  I had been dreaming of starting the bracelet to help me remember my travels, and was thus excited to find charm number one.  As time went by, it was lots of fun for both hubby and me to search for each Pandora store as we traveled from place to place.  It was not long and the bracelet was nearly filled.  The charm in the middle was purchased at Water Tower Place in Chicago and indicates our home base. On either side, there are two heart-shaped charms symbolizing hubby and myself.  Engraved on the back are the words, "I love traveling the world with you".  These were purchased on Grand Bahama Island after a scary medical crisis on a cruise ship.

I truly enjoy my Pandora bracelet.  Recently, after spending two weeks with my little three-year-old grandson, I love it even more for it will always remind me of him.

This little boy's name begins with the letter E and I will gladly tell you that he is energetic, exuberant and also exceptionally beautiful, loving and playful.  Being a middle child, he has especially loved the attention that this grandma has always enjoyed giving.  He is the baby who would run up to me waiting to be picked up and held every time I saw him.  He is the toddler who snuggled in bed with grandma when his new baby sister was born and mommy and daddy were not home.  He is the little boy who now sits on my lap with a storybook for us to share.  This child is often on the move, and thus when he stops for time with grandma, it is very special.

His family recently moved some distance from us and I hadn't seen him for six months.  When we arrived late one evening, his bright smile greeted me even though time and distance had separated us.  Day by day passed and we got to know each other again. 

One day I wore my bracelet.  As you can imagine, my little grandson was very intrigued by it and he began looking at all the charms.  I thought he would be interested in the London bus, or the camel from Dubai, or maybe the teeny cruise ship.  But, he focused on the two hearts and inquired about them.  I told him that the two hearts were for Grandma and Grandpa.  

Then my little boy said, "Where's my heart Grandma?"

He stopped me in my tracks.  What a profound question from a little tiny boy? It made me think of how much love has flowed between us in just three and a half short years.  I thought of his mischievous face that always, always has a huge smile on it.  I thought of the first day I met him.  He was so small and cuddly and I fell instantly in love.  And now when I least expected it, my little guy had proven to be a philosopher too! 

I know this grandma is getting carried away with emotion now.  But oh the love there is to be shared between grandparents and their grandchildren.  Each child is so unique, with all the potential to grow and learn and become.  I was so blessed that day by this little guy and I will never forget the special moments, like the one described above, that remind us of the loving bond we share.

Dear little boy, you asked, "Where is my heart Grandma?"  And of course, your grandma says to you, "I carry your heart in my heart, where it will stay forever!"