The Times They Are A Changing
My grandmother was born in 1913 and lived to be 89. I was born (the first grandchild on both sides) in 1956. Our “nana experiences” are so very different. For instance, she didn’t go very many places. She drove to the grocery store, church and our house, but most of the time she stayed at home. She always wore dresses (with a petticoat beneath) and she believed in cooking everything from scratch.
Last night I took my granddaughter to a ballgame. Today we are going to a dance camp for little girls. I only wear dresses when forced to, and while I know homemade food is healthier and tastes better, I also know the number to Pizza Hut and the Mexican restaurant in town by heart.
I read an article yesterday about “new grand-parenting” and I’ll share the link with you at the end of this post. It had some good suggestions and advice but the sentence that rang most true for me was this one…
As much as times have changed, the essential roles of a grandparent remain: to adore grandchildren, shower them with gifts, and spend as much time with them as possible.
Times may change. Clothes and hairstyles may differ. Today’s grandmother may live life at a faster pace than yesterday’s did, but the one constant is love. My grandmother loved me just as much as I love my granddaughter. The best legacy we can leave our children and grandchildren is one of love.
Link to article I mentioned above:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3753345
One more thing before I go…
After I wrote my post the other day about NanaHood is NOT just for Nanas, I got a reply from a friend who is also a grandmother. “I think of the word Nana as being a term of endearment. Anyone who loves children can enjoy NanaHood.” Thanks Becky for that beautiful comment!
I love this blog. I’m in between you and your grandma. I like to wear skirts but my feet have been hurting to the point I can only wear sports shoes right now. Need to buy something nice again. I cook alot, but I like to eat at Subway.
Today we were with our kids and grand baby. We keep trying to get Melody to say grandpa and grandma so we can hear it. Well I went into the bathroom b4 we left. She said where did grandma go? When we left she said grandpa and grandma went bye bye. Of course we didn’t get to hear that but she does say it. i love being a grandma. Melody loves being with us and sometimes just laughs when we walk into the apartment!! Fun!! Happy week!!