Before I had grandchildren, I listened to friends wax poetic about how wonderful it was to be a grandparent. I knew I’d enjoy it when my turn came, but I also wondered how it could possibly be as amazing as they said.
But then when I held my first granddaughter in my arms, it didn’t take long for me to realize that my heart was now firmly held in the palm of her tiny little hand. She owned me—and I was fine with that!
I felt the same way when the other five arrived, all of them precious and unique in their own ways. It’s unbelievable how such little people can bring so much happiness—but they do. And I discovered that it was even better than my friends had said.
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I’m grateful for all six of my grandbabies. I love their laughter, their smiles, the cute things they say, the times they call just to say, “I love you, Grandmama.”
I love watching Paul in his role as granddaddy. My big strong husband is like a marshmallow in their hands. It melts my heart to observe the love that is so evident between them, to watch them walk hand in hand, to see him with the little ones curled up on his lap, snuggled as close as they can get.
It truly doesn’t get much better. As my youngest son once told me in jest, “I think you had us just so you could have grandchildren.”
But the truth of the matter is that one of the reasons I enjoy these precious grandchildren so much is that I can look into their faces and see their daddies. It makes me smile to see mannerisms that bring back memories of the days when my three boys were still little guys.
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I think back to hard times in my life, and realize I couldn’t have imagined this joy to come. It’s a good reminder to me that when things are tough, there may be unknown joys ahead.
Thank You, God, for the gift of being a grandparent. I think it’s one of Your best inventions ever!
