When my daughter told us she and her husband were expecting their
first child I said, “But I’m too young to be a grandma!” I was only 46. Weren’t
my own grandparents ancient all my life? I hated the thought of this
still-vibrant lady being called a name that was associated with fumbling, forgetfulness,
and false teeth.
“That baby can call me Nana, Mimi, or Boo-Boo, but she’s not
calling me Grandma!” I insisted. My resolve lasted a whole two days.
Once I warmed to the idea of having a little one to cuddle
and spoil, I decided being a grandma wasn’t bad. I told everyone within a ten-mile
radius that I was going to have a grand baby.
Now we have three darling miniature people, and when they
say, “Grandma” it’s like a favorite song being sung just for me. All the
implications of that word have changed, now that I have the role of loving and
mentoring these little angels.
Have you ever changed your mind about a word or a role? What
changed it for you?
If you’d like to read
more of this kind of grandma talk, please join me today at Geezer Guys and Gals, where I share my funny story, Name that Kid. Have a grace-filled Monday!
I became a grandma at 46 as well. Funny, I thought it was older because I made my grandmother a grandma when she was only 40! But then, she married young. :) Yes, hearing my grandson say "Grandma" is music to my ears. Being a grandma is so much fun!
ReplyDeleteOh, good, Karen, now I don't feel so bad. My brother was only 40 when his first grandson was born, too.
DeleteI became a grandma at 48 and I love hearing my grandchildren say "Grandma." My grandchildren live right next door to us, which is a real blessing.
ReplyDeleteBarb: What fun to live next door!
DeleteI'm in the same mindset as you were. My oldest daughter has been married for nearly three years and we expect to hear "I'm pregnant" sometime soon. But like you, the word "Grandma" conjures up the same negative images and even at 52, I don't think I'm ready for the role. But your post has given me hope!
ReplyDeleteAva: The wonder of mentoring and nurturing little souls erases the stigma of the word 'grandma.'
Deleteyou are so precious.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denise! As are you!
DeleteMy bff made sure her grandkids called her Kiki. She didn't want to be called grandma.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that!
DeleteI don't care what they call me as long as they call me to visit and be a part of their lives. That's the important thing.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Nancy!
DeleteI love being called Grandma. I have a friend who became a grandpa at 40 and he insists to be called G.R. lol I became a grandma at 43, and the second is due in November. With your sense of humour and energy, I'm sure you keep those 3 little ones laughing all the time!
ReplyDelete