Article Contributed on: 11/4/2007 10:26:55 AM
To experience the joy of unconditional love is to have grandchildren.
For many years we have had the privilege of being grandparents to some very GRAND children. It is pure love, with no strings attached. We are not responsible for them; they have wonderful parents to provide their needs. They do not have to live up to any expectations for us; it is up to their parents to expect good grades and good behavior. Our role in their lives is just to love them, and that is the easy part.
When they are babies, we experience the pleasure of cuddling and loving delightful little beings. We watch them endlessly, looking for resemblances to our own babies of long ago. He has his father's mannerisms, we will say, or,she has her mother's sweet temperament. We are transported back in time, and we fall in love all over again, this time with the children of our children.
The best part is the love is reciprocal. They love us just because we are Grandma and Grandpa. We don't have to do anything special, but we always feel special in their presence, and we compulsively want to do special things for them.
Some of my fondest memories involve spending time with my grandchildren. I vividly remember the day each one came into our lives. We have a special relationship with each one of them. They are all so different and unique and, at the same time, similar in their loving hearts and generous spirits.
My husband has a sweatshirt with the saying, "Love them, spoil them and send them home." He does all of that and more. My favorite throw pillow is embroidered with, "There's no place like home, except Grandma's." Our house is their second home, and we like it that way.
There are countless blessings in being a grandparent. Would you like to hear the joys and blessings of being a great grandparent? Don't even get me started...