Boston and Back - the wonders of being a grandparent

Last Sunday I caught a midnight flight to Boston to meet our new grandbaby Sadie. Martin didn't think he would make it, but fortunately he was able to come out and spend a few days, too. I had such a great time playing with Andrew and rocking Sadie. It was also very special for me to be able to "help" a little bit in the house, cooking and tidying up for Nick and Jamie. I found myself reminiscing about those early years of motherhood when I'd cook and clean with a baby on my hip, one at my feet, and others playing somewhere. Always trying to juggle the various sleeping and eating schedules, not to mention the diaper changing. It all passed in a blur! It was so exhausting, but sweet nonetheless. I enjoyed reliving those memories.

It's hard to express exactly what makes being a "Nana" so special - Martin says it's about having all of the fun and none of the responsibilities. I suppose that is part of it, but not really. You don't have the day to day worries and stresses of being a parent, but you still have responsibilities and a role to play. But maybe part of it is that since you've been through it and come out the other side, you don't worry about quite so many things anymore. You recognize that after all you can do, it's still about what Life and the Lord have in store for that child. You know enough now to just enjoy the journey.

One of the things I really enjoy is watching Nick as a father. Of course he had a tremendous role model, so it doesn't surprise me that he is such a wonderful dad. I remember when I first became a mother and suddenly really comprehending how much my own parents must love me. It's a love you can't really understand until you experience it yourself. Watching Nick I can see that he is also growing in his appreciation of his own father. From a gospel perspective, becoming a parent really helps you appreciate the depth of Heavenly Father's love for us. The love a parent has for a child is total, unconditional, and eternal. Grandchildren are somehow an embodiment of that love returned to you, like a gift from your own child, to bring you joy and complete that circle of love.

Thank you Nick and Jamie for that gift and for allowing us to be there to share these early days with you. And thank you especially to our Heavenly Father for these rich blessings of family.