heart to heart blog

Since this Sunday, September 7th, is National Grandparent’s Day, I asked my own mom, if she would write a guest post about being a grandparent.  I didn’t really give her any ideas or tell her this would be a good time to brag about the “grands” as she calls them- in fact, I actually forgot I asked her to do this until this showed up in my e-mail this week…

Why I love being a Grandparent by Susan Buchanan (my mom!)

Everyone has at least one role to fill, and often more. Right off the top of my head I know I am a wife, sister, neighbor, friend, Red Hat Queen, nurse, mother, and grandmother. There are probably many more (but the hats that go with them aren’t as much fun). Each role has its own special challenges and rewards. At this time in my life, the role I have the most fun with is being Nana/Grandmom. I have four wonderful grandchildren and each one is very different and very special in his/her own way.

Our son has two boys who call me Grandmom. “D” was the first. He has always been very inquisitive, is wise well beyond his ten years, has a ready smile and is very caring. He and I have read all seven of the Harry Potter books together. I gave him each book in turn, but I always needed a two week head start on each one or else D would finish way ahead of me!

“J” is the next in line. He is fun-loving, always giggling and laughing, and often in a bit of impish “trouble”. He can most often be found with his head in a hand-held computer game. He tries his best to explain the games to me or help me with the intricacies of Pokemon, but I am pretty much at a loss there!

Our daughter has two Children who call me Nana. Jagger, as many of you know him, the third of the grands, is 3 1/2 and has an incredible sense of humor for one so young. He knows how to “work” his eyebrows to get just the right reaction from me, and he knows Nana always has a treat for him in my red bag (my carry-all I take when I visit). And when asked (frequently) “What do Nana’s need?” he has the ready, demonstrable answer, “Hugs and kisses!”

The B-ster, the last to arrive about two years ago, was much anticipated as the only “pink” of the group. You might think she is a sweet, feminine, spoiled princess. Definitely not. More like a tom-boy in order to keep up with her brother, cousins, and older neighbor playmates. She is also the owner of a terrific temper (sometimes complete with tantrums) and gives a stare of defiance when scolded or refused a request. But put a pretty dress on her with a matching (Nana-made) barrette in her softly curling hair and you’re looking at a future Miss America for sure.

Each of my grandchildren gives endless pleasures and endless anecdotes for when Nana/Grandmom is being a sister, neighbor, friend, etc. Some tales bring smiles, some laughs, and some tears. But all bring fond memories I’ll cherish forever.

While I may not shower my parents or in-laws with an oversized greeting card that sings “Happy Grandparents Day!” along with a huge bouquet of flowers this Sunday, I try to show my appreciation for everything they do, every day.  And while I certainly appreciate all the clothes and toys they buy the kids, the babysitting they do for us and the big deals they make for the kids birthdays, it is the simple, every-day involvement they have in our kids lives that I am the most grateful for.  Thanks for being such an important part of all of our lives!

{{{ HUGS }}} and My Love <3