A while back Joelle asked me if I was going to be the kind of grandma someday that Grandma Nini is.
Grandma Nini is the name the kids gave to my mom, Anita, back when they couldn’t pronounce her name. Grandpa Bud was Budder. In part, because he loves butter. But also because his name is Bud. Both names have always stuck. We still call them Nini and Budder.
Anyways, I replied to Joelle, “Those are some awfully big shoes to fill. I hope I can be half the grandma that she is.”
It’s true. My mom is an amazing grandmother. She’s always there for the kids. I can’t tell you how many times she and dad have made the two hour one way trek to watch each of our kids participate in their various sports, school and music activities. On top of that, we’ve done parades, beaches, birthdays, holidays, fireworks, air shows and you name it together. My parents are fun people to hang out with.
My kids know that Grandma is always there for them. Grandma always believes the best in them. And when the kids used to do things that I would be appalled at, she would just throw her head back Henrietta-esque and simply laugh off those antics that seemed so bad to me. My mom has always been so good at giving me perspective on life.
Still to this day I will call my mom with questions that I have as a parent. Her wisdom and perspective have been invaluable to me on so many occasions.
All of the ways she demonstrates love to her grandkids, I grew up with those same qualities. I have been blessed to have a mom that has stood by me, supported me, believed in me, encouraged me, and prayed for me. I know that some of my choices in life have caused her anxious nights of worry, yet she has never turned her back on me.
Occasionally we meet in Ft Wayne to go out for supper. My folks tell us to “Get whatever you want… it’s on us!” They demonstrate such generosity. Both of my parents have taught me, and now our kids, to really enjoy the simple things of life like a community parade.
Happy Birthday, Mom! You are Loved!
What a great tribute to your Mother and my cousin. May God continue to bless you all.
Thank you, Sue. I consider my life also to have been enriched by you too! So grateful for all of the wonderful people in my life!
When Martin first met Anita he,too, said he hoped I would be half the grandma she was (is). Now that we have 8 grandbabies of our own I have tried to emulate what I saw in both Anita and Mama (Grandma Henrietta). I hope and pray that when I am gone they will look back with fondness on the times we spent together. The greatest, most loving thing we can do for them is to always point them straight to Jesus and let them see just how important He is to us. Hopefully, a close relationship with our grandbabies will develop a desire in them to embrace Him and all He is for themselves! Being a grandma (MaBoo) is a joy beyond measure!!!!!!
Love hearing this from you, Linda!! I can see you being such a wonderful grandma…. you remind me alot of mom in the way you are there for your own kids/ grandkids. Keep pointing them to Jesus!
Tracy this is a wonderful tribute and oh so true. Your mom is truly a gift from God, we are so blessed. Jeff and I have often said that someday we hope to be half the grandparents they have been to our kids when we are blessed with grandchildren.
Dena, we have huge examples to follow don’t we!!
Tracy, you mom is truly an amazing woman!! I have so many memories of her from our growing up years at church, swim team, and being at the pool!! I hope she had a wonderful day!!!
Thank you, Vicki! It means alot to hear that from you!
You will be a wonderful Grandmother! Look how wonderful you care and nurture all those GC nursing students!!
Thank you, Vicky!