She Calls Me Grammy

If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I'd have had them first. ~Lois Wyse

My grandmother from my mom's side passed on when i was a baby, so i never really knew her. My grandma from my dad's side lived with us for a while, and she, i knew much more. I remember her very fair complexion, grey hair tied in a bun, slightly stooped body, and large breasts. She loved gardening and growing roses. Three, she read the bible everyday, and loved singing hymns. I also knew she and mom didn't get along too well, because mom would complain, grandma criticized her cooking. Lastly, grandma called me and my sisters 'little demons' whenever we refused to listen to her sermonettes, which she preached every night. We were kids, who wanted to play, not pray. I don't think i ever thought much about becoming a grandmother. I knew it was going to happen someday, but something in the far far away time when one got all wrinkly and grey . Well, thank to L'Oreal and Olay, our generation didn't seem to age. Not quickly anyway! When some of my girlfriends began pulling out photographs of their grandkids to brag about them, i honestly didn't know what to make of it.Yes, i was happy that they were happy, but the idea of grandmahood seemed ominous in a weird way. I said, not yet! But, how dumb and wrong can one get!

I am Keona's 'grammy', or grandmommy. Yes, i feel like a Grammy award winner, having received the biggest living trophy in the world, more valuable than any wood, metal and gem, put together. I have worn many hats, for every purpose and occasion in my long journey as a woman, but nothing has been more wonderful, meaningful, and rewarding as being a grandmother.

My daughter was married when she was twenty years old, and with her first pregnancy, she miscarried. Although we grieved our loss, we recovered, believing that the next one was just around the corner. Well, we were wrong. Nothing prepared us for what would be the longest journey of heartache our daughter and our family would go through. One, two, three losses, and one agony after other, we felt completley helpless. On her fifth attempt, we held our breath unlike any other time. But, like some bad joke, another baby would slip away.

We were devastated and inconsolable. I was angry and too hurt. I remember going to church and feeling so numbed. I must have looked so despondent, i remember being called by the visiting Minister who prayed for my comfort. For a long long time, i found it hard to even smile. I didn't want to see anyone. Meantime, by the grace of God, my daughter found new strength and started to move on.

Soon to turn 8, our one and only grandchild is quite a character, aptly called "firecracker" by grandpa Umpa. She calls me "Grammy", as if to declare me a 'winner', which i feel in so many ways. She is our joy and everyday we are so grateful for the privilege of being grandparents. Keona is incredibly smart for her age. She loves art, ballet, playing chess, swimming, and she's is without a doubt, a geek! She keeps us on our toes and that's a bonus for our aging bodies.

What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars' worth of pleasure. ~Gene Perret