On becoming a new grandparent
I really don’t think anyone really knows what it’s like to become a grandparent for the first time until is it so a. Having listened to other new and recent grandparents talk about their experiences always seemed a bit irrelevant at the time. At first I thought all the talk about how wonderful it was to them was frankly a bit of a stretch … until … yeah … it was my turn.
My only daughter is the light of my life. When she was born, I was unstable in the delivery room and actually cut the umbilical cord that separated her from her mother. My life completely changed in that moment. Since then, I have always tried to get involved in her life by giving her love and guidance.
Almost 9 years ago, my daughter gave birth to my first grandson … a beautiful girl then and now. I was unprepared for the feelings I had when I first saw her, and how those feelings grew over the next several years.
He had heard other people say that the best part of being a grandparent is “spoiling the child and then giving it back.” Well that may be a bit true because you don’t have to deal with a lot of difficult parenting issues, yet now I know that when my grandson suffers … I hurt, and when she is happy … I am happy. . It really is no different, from the point of view of feelings, than it was with me daughter.
About 7 months ago (ironically on my birthday) my wonderful daughter blessed me with another grandson … this time … a sweet little boy. What can I say? Wow! What a bless! It still amazes me how wonderful being a grandfather can be.
Preparing for a new baby is a job for new parents, and depending on grandparents’ involvement, it can be for them as well. Baby showers are great for getting lots of essentials for the next arrival, however in my experience, grandparents may need to fill in some of the gaps.
As future grandparents, we may help paint and furnish the nursery. I remember, before the arrival of my first grandson, concentrating on the comfort of my daughter when I got up in the middle of the night. So I bought her a glider with an ottoman to rock the baby while feeding. It was clear to me that being aware of my daughter’s needs was just as important as the needs of the new baby.
So the best advice I can offer is to get as involved in your grandson’s life as possible. Respect the wishes of your grandchild’s parents. Provide a friendly guide if requested. And most of all … love them with all your heart and soul. With the blessings of God, you can’t go wrong.