Grandma – ouch – I sound old now LOL.
Watching my daughter caring for her baby is such a surreal experience. I waited so long!!
So now, I am having what I consider the most exciting time of my life. Since the birth of Summer Renae in December my world will forever be intertwined with hers. I am so fortunate to be caring for her while her parents work. I have embarked on this new relationship that will be ever so special until my days are over. In the past few weeks she has crawled, sat up, stood up and now she hangs on to furniture and walks. She has her first tooth and soon she will be walking.
Every grandmother I meet envies me. They all say they wish they could be doing the same. This supersedes any and all other experiences in my life. I had 3 children and was a busy mother with all the stresses that come with motherhood. I loved having my children and gave birth to the last 2 at home. My children were my world and I loved living in that world.
Now my baby has a baby!! When the 3 of us are together I try to cherish each one of our times together. 3 generations bonded together. Caring for Summer is such a joy. It lacks the stress of motherhood and adds a joy that I just cannot put into words. My grandma used to take me on vacations and they are great memories. Now I look forward to taking Summer on vacation with me. I could always talk to my grandmother without the drama of arguing with my mom.
I feel so honored to be in her life on this level. I am going to be her best friend. I’m single and plan to stay that way. I want to devote the rest of my life to making a difference in the lives of all my future grandchildren. I know that Summer and I will be pals and I will be able to be there for her instead of turning to her friends. I want to impart to her all the wisdom I can so she can follow a successful path.
We live in a violent world and children are no longer safe in the way I was as a child. All parents live with that fear that comes with child safety. As I said in a previous blog, the disconnection of the family unit leaves parents with less options in the care of their children.
My point is that I hope that my generation will answer the call as grandparents. We must put aside some of our dreams so that our children and grandchildren may fulfill their dreams. We brought them into this world and our responsibility does not end when they become adults. Actually they need us more! Remember, take time to study your priorities. The children are calling……………..
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I love your enthusiasm for grandparenting. I love my five grandkids, the most recent born on Father’s Day 2010.
I agree– grandparents have an important role, and some aren’t aware of this. I’ve written a new book, Prepapring My Heart for Grandparenting: For Grandparents at Any Stage of the Journey, to affirm grandparents in their important role and encourage them to invest in their grandkids’ lives. You can learn more here: http://www.preparingmyheart.net. I’d love to get the word out about this resource, and I pray it will impact future generations.
I appreciate your desire to be an intentional grandparent who invests in your grandchild’s life. May others follow your example.
God bless you!
Lydia Harris (aka Grandma Tea)
Sounds like you are having a great time. I look forward to my children having babies, but I see things a bit differently. I do not anticipate being the permanent babysitter for my future grandchildren. I think this IS my time and I want to be all the same things you hope for with your grandchildren I just don’t want to raise them. I look forward to the rest of my life and have so many plans………….I will share them with my children and their families and want to share their lives too, I just don’t want to babysit. Can we get a picture of Summer?