The Next Step

 

Just before I sat down to update my blog, a friend called me to share her exciting news: she had just become a grandmother that morning.  She breathlessly described her new grand-daughter as being the most perfect, most beautiful, most special baby ever born – although she had yet to actually meet her.  And, of course, that is the way it should be.  A grandparent’s unconditional love is a child’s most precious gift.

Another good friend of mine will become a grandmother in July. My sister became a grandmother a few months ago.  My brother now has four grandchildren.  Another friend relishes her role as grandmother to twins.  So many other friends and family members are entering this new world of grandparent-hood and the transformation is nothing short of amazing.

It is almost magical to watch the change which occurs when one goes from simply being a parent of an adult child to suddenly holding that child’s newborn baby and out of the blue realizing that THIS is the moment you have been waiting for all your life.  Any grandparent will tell you how amazed they are at the strength of the love they feel for their grandchildren from the moment they are born.  How often I have heard grandparents say “I didn’t expect to feel this way”.   Almost every new grandparent I have known has said it is not possible to imagine that feeling of holding your first grandchild, or how it changes your world.

This new little life can do no wrong, is perfect in every way and is so very much loved.  There is a special relationship between grandchildren and their grandparents, and it is created the moment the child is born. New grandparents marvel at the instant bond they feel, a bond which lasts a lifetime.  This bond and unconditional love is shared by grandparents and grandchildren everywhere. It is unique and it is wonderful. Witnessing – or receiving - this love is incredible just by the sheer strength of it. 

How fortunate these little grandchildren are to have grandparents who give them unconditional love, have time to spend with them and who make them feel so special.  Grandparents can kiss hurts away, share secrets and see to it that their grandchildren bask in their unquestionable and undeniable love. Most importantly, children know that in the eyes of their grandparents, they are perfect.

I read once that becoming a grandparent is God’s reward for growing old.  As I watch friends and family blossom in their new role as grandparents, and take this next step in life,  I think that this is indeed true.  Embracing life’s next step . . . it’s a good thing!