Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Love Grows

My eldest son became a young father last fall, a challenge that he has risen to with beautiful grace that absolutely humbles me.

In a matter of months, this wild, reckless boy transformed into is a strong, fine man; an able, willing provider; a patient, loving partner; and a kind, gentle father.

As for me, I really didn't know what grandmotherhood was going to be about, but I guessed it would just mean that there would be a new child in our family to love.

I didn't predict that my love for my son was going to take on new dimensions. I didn't know it was possible to love him more or more deeply.

Nor did I predict that my love for my granddaughter would be filtered through-- inextricable from-- my love for my son and his love for his daughter. It's hard to describe.

I began to understand it the day my granddaughter was born. Of course, I was deeply moved by the arrival of this precious new being. But I was absolutely floored by the curve of my son's shoulder as he held the warm bundle of his daughter for the first time. And by the softness of his face as her tiny hand curled around his finger.
My son and his family visit me sometimes, and my dear little granddaughter, now eight months old, has just learned to crawl. It seems I need to vacuum more. And I need to do some rearranging to accommodate a little explorer in Grandma's house.

I love way my son and his girlfriend look at their baby girl, the way they hold her and the way they talk to her.

I love how my son won't let his daughter put a metal spoon in her mouth in case she might chip her two brand-new teeth.

I love the way he put leggings on her when her newfound crawling ability made her bare knees turn red from the carpet.

I love the way he tells her she's the prettiest girl in the world, second only to her mother, and her mother responds, "No, she's way prettier," and my son and his girlfriend give each other a little smile.

Love.

7 comments:

beachcomber said...

I hope you and he feel the same way when she turns 12...JUST kidding. You with all boys will have such a great time with a granddaughter. I on the other hand, hope that one of my daughters will bring me a boy child to spoil and send home. I envy this time of your life.

Anonymous said...

For the second time today, (beachcomber's post was the first) I read with tears in my eyes.

I hope my boys don't have babies for awhile but your piece opened my heart to the beauty that is coming.

steviewren said...

Such a sweet observation! It's great to see your sons grow up and become men isn't it?

My daughter just found out today that she is having a little girl next November. She teared up because when she had her first child, a boy, her older brothers, who have 6 girls between them, kidded her saying she would probably be the one to have all boys. She wanted a least one girl and now she will have her.

Anonymous said...

Oh my K, what to say? You brought tears to my eyes as well. I guess it's that we never see intimate moments of our children once they're grown up... So you get to share what his girlfriend attracted her, why she's fallen for him. The way he treats his daughter, he treats his girlfriend as well. You just never got to see this side on him. :) I'm happy for you that you get to witness it now! AND that you're such a big part in their lives already. I pray I'm not gonna be a granny any time soon, but that my daughter will find the love of her life soon too, to complete her as your granddaughter and her mother complete your son now as well! Love, R.

Anonymous said...

Nice work, you all!
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Anonymous said...

Take good care of your precious family pictures, folks! Don't assume they will last forever without special care. Learn about archival storage of family photos. Use scratch-resistant media.

You want the baby who is cradled in her father's arms today to be able to show clearly how she looked as a baby when she shows those pictures to her grandchildren half a century from now.

Remember, if you already know what I've written above, at least I mean well.

Anonymous said...

Good call, Indie. I understand. Thanks. rk