On Being a Grandparent

Many people have asked me how it feels to be a grandparent. I was not able to come up with an answer at first other than “good.” I knew that I was waiting and waiting in anticipation of our grandson’s birth and joyful at his safe delivery. I was most grateful for his good health, and I felt a surge of many emotions.

Baby Eli already has his dad’s brown eyes and his mother’s pale skin along with his own sweet smile. Perhaps he’ll also show some aspects from past generations. Maybe he’ll have my love of reading or great math ability from his granddad’s side. He could inherit some athleticism from my father. So, a new baby gives our family a feeling of continuity of generations.

Eli gives me a sense of pride in what wonderful parents our daughter and son-in-law have become--serious about safety but also playful with their young son. Perhaps my husband and I did something right in the way we raised our kids as reflected in our daughter’s parenting.

I feel hope for the future that responsible, intelligent, broad-minded, kind young people are having children in this crazy world. Eli is a child who was wanted and welcomed and will be well cared for in a loving environment.

In addition to the obvious “cuddle factor” which anyone who has held a baby knows is like no other feeling, I imagine that Eli will be fun. At two months, his fun consists of sitting in his infant seat, kicking his legs, waving his arms, making sounds, and smiling. Every day will add more pleasure. Eli will give us an opportunity to revisit all the great stages of childhood while we entertain and enjoy him: reading children’s books aloud, singing silly songs, playing games, and visiting fun places.

So, how does being a grandparent make me feel? In a word, happy!