My Grandparenting Role Models

My in-laws were and really still are my inspiration for being the best grandparent I can imagine being. They were part of Justin and Mykey’s life from the time they were born until Millie and George died.  Summer vacations and holidays were time with Millie and George. Millie never tired of reading to both of them. George played with them and taught them how to do things as they grew older. 

The boys really could do no wrong as far as their grandparents were concerned. They were able to give of themselves as well as love them unconditionally. As the boys got older, they each had an opportunity to treat their grandparents with as much love and care as they had been given. They became part of taking care of their grandparents as their health failed. They spent their summer vacations from college in Ohio, as each family member took turns being there during difficult last days for George. 

Whenever our family gets together, Millie and George are still there with us, in heart and mind, as we create new memories of grandchildren connecting to grandparents. What a gift we share!

Shopping for Sage and Millie

It is 1^st birthday time for Sage and long visit time with Millie. Occasions which call for gifts!  Shopping for a purpose, especially gifts for others is one of my favorite things!

As I shopped this weekend I found myself drowning in voices in my head. Most of them were my projections of what I thought my mother, my daughter’s in law, my husband, my friends, and I thought. 

I was absolutely overwhelmed as I thought about the right toys, clothes, books and games. First, there is the whole toy target age issue. Do I buy for older than their age, or their age and if older, how much older? Then clothes get complicated too. Do I buy several items at discount or go for quality and fewer items? Do I buy on sale for a good deal, or full value when it seems too pricey?  

Then there is how much is enough, too much, not enough? 

Luckily, none of this internal dialog got in my way. As I shopped for the kids, I shopped for the future, knowing that if it doesn’t fit developmentally or physically now, it will eventually. I shopped for the parents, thinking about the toys they would enjoy. I shopped for me; it came from anticipated pleasure of sharing the toys. Wrapping each gift in anticipation, I am ready for the deliveries ahead.