To become a grandparent
Ryan’s wife Marlea snapped this photo of their children, Kate and Everett,
with my parents enjoying their great and grand blessings
“To become a grandparent is to enjoy one of the few pleasures in life for which the consequences have already been paid.” — Robert Brault
My nephew Ryan sent me this photo recently and I loved it instantly. Since Jeff and I will soon be grandparents for the first time, I thought a post about grandchildren might be in order. But since I’ve never yet been a grandparent, I know the relationship best from the standpoint of the grandchild.
I remember laughing at Bill Cosby saying all of us are still alive today because of our grandparents. While that may be a slight exaggeration, there is something delightfully carefree about the relationship between children and their parents’ parents. Grandparents are a continual reminder that Mom and Dad were once kids, and they often have archives of ancient-looking photos and stories to prove it.
They have other interesting things, too, and don’t mind if you prowl around in their stuff and ask lots of questions. They will often play games your parents don’t have time for, or laugh at things your parents might fuss about. They might sneak treats to you that your parents wouldn’t let you have. No doubt about it, there’s something slightly subversive about grandparents. But in a good way.
Jeff and I were blessed with loving grandparents whose influence has lasted far beyond their time here on earth. We miss them, and hope that we will be able to live up to the examples they left us, providing loyalty, laughter and love that will never die.
- Posted in: Uncategorized
- Tagged: family, generations, grandchildren, grandparents, love, memories, relatives
Defeat Despair 
When someone asks me personally about being a grandparent, I usually begin with the same statement: I always heard how foolish grandparents can be; and now I am one (I am a complete fool for the two pictured here, as well as for their cousins – one of which wanted to climb the highest peak in Georgia yesterday, so we did!)
Would you believe I have forgotten which mountain that is, although surely I knew at one time. As for being foolish, remember the words of First Corinthians 1:18-31! 🙂
What a precious,precious post! The picture is wonderful. Daddy loved it so much he printed me a copy when we were there. I,too,relate to what you say as a grandchild…but also as a child. It has always been so funny to me how grandparents will allow things with their grand (and great-grand)children that they would have NEVER allowed with their children…..THANK GOODNESS! 🙂
Yes, I think this photo is so great because all their personalities show! Aren’t grandparents wonderful? Hope I get to be one soon!
Good morning, Julia. That photo of three generations conveys so much love and laughter. Eric used the perfect word, “foolish”. Bill and I have been in this state of foolishness for 20 years. You’re about to find out how life changing it is! Please keep us advised of baby Grady’s arrival. With sunbeams, Sheila
Thanks Sheila! So glad to hear these fond words about grandchildren. With Jeff’s cancer diagnosis coming right before the news of a baby due, we have hardly had time to think much about it, but it’s getting exciting right now! Thanks for sharing that with us!
Congratulations! You will be an awesome grandmother!
Thank you “Miss Fran” – I am sure you are enjoying that role and will teach your grandchildren so much!
I have a grandpuppy, and I’m already foolish with her! 😉
A friend (dad-figure) once told me he thought we should be grandparents first, as it would help us be better parents. Now that 20 years have passed, I have a better idea what he meant.
Yes, I think there are some kinds of wisdom that only come with time. I hope I have a grand-puppy someday too!
Wonderful quote and thoughts! We are blessed to be grandparents around Christmas. A gift we have already paid for!
Congratulations Lynn! You will have the most fun ever with your shopping this Christmas!
I happend to have spent the night at Granny and Captain’s last night. I read this post to Granny this morning. It’s a great one! Love you, Aunt Gia.
Thanks Ryan, great timing and I appreciate the photo!
Bill Crosby was right. 🙂
I agree! I have to look up that old routine – it’s probably somewhere on YouTube.
I saw Bill live in Vegas about (ahem) 35 years ago. My sides still ache from all the laughter…
Lucky you! He is definitely one of the greats.
Julia, I, too, instantly feel drawn to this photo. The JOY is so evident! How special!
Thanks, Mary Ann. I feel so happy that Mom and Dad are still here with us. I’m happy you are here online with us to share the joy!