Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. (Proverbs 17:6)
Raising children is rarely easy. But they are a blessing, and parenting has its rewards. One of the greatest rewards of children is grandchildren.
I remember a time when I said I couldn’t wait for my children to grow up and leave home. My mom would tell me “you will never get away from your kids. They may leave home, but they’ll be back. And when they return they’ll have more baggage (meaning a family of their own).”
As a mother of three adult children, I know what she meant.
My youngest daughter, the mother of a 2- and 4-year-old, lives five miles west of me and we see each other three or more times a week. Her children love to spend time at Ma Ma’s house. She often calls ans says, “Ma, I need a favor.”
My oldest daughter has a 9- and 13-year-old. They live seven miles north of me. Because of the children’s busy schedule, I don’t see them as much as I would like. Whenever they can, they love to come to my house too. Sometimes my daughter works extended hours so I might get a call saying “Ma, can you get the kids off to school for me?”
It’s not unusual to get a call from my daughters asking if I can help with the kids.
Living near my children has its advantages. For me, I get to see the grandchildren often (what joy!). For them, having me near allows them to drop the kids off at my house when they have things to do or if they just want some quiet time for themselves.
I’m usually able to help them when needed.
There is a special bond between grandmothers and grandchildren, and I’m blessed to be able to play an active role in their lives. Do you live near your grandchildren? How does that make you feel?
Deborah Calvert is associate executive director for Women of the ELCA.
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