The Unconditional Baba
I never expected to be a single mom of two little ones….especially as a stay-at-home mom who had just relocated, AGAIN. My immediate family was spread out across several states and quite honestly, my state of mind and emotions were not winning me any points for Mother of the Year around that time. If it weren’t for Baba and her overwhelming love for her grandkids, I don’t know how we would have made it to where we are today.B
Before my son was born, my mother-in-law knew she wanted to leave the grandma-naming up to the grandchildren. She wanted something special that came from them and was excited to find out what she would be called. Ironically, when he began to talk, “Baba” was his pronunciation for grandma and just happened to mean grandma in a few languages. So it stuck. In fact, to this day, with my son turning 16 and my daughter now 13, she is Baba, even to their friends who have come to know her!
The Not-So-Long Distant Grandma
Baba has been there for anything and everything possible. Even during the years we moved to various states around the country, she would fly out to celebrate birthdays and help with medical issues. If there was something she couldn’t be there for, a card or box of goodies was there to remind them they were in her thoughts. The long distance was just never an issue, beyond the emotional one of course. Between regular visits and constant photos, we tried to ensure Baba was a constant part of their lives and she wouldn’t have had it any other way!
A Grandma’s Unconditional Love
The one thing Baba never lost sight of was the importance of her grandkids’ happiness, no matter what turmoil our family was going through. We all held the same belief that the kids did not choose the path we were on and their happiness and wellbeing would always come first. She was and still is their biggest cheerleader, a provider, and constant role model.
The divorce did not divide her loyalties either. Not once was I made to feel I was not part of the family anymore. She has helped provide for the kids in times I was unable. She has cared for them so I could go back to school. She has always made it known that she would go to the ends of the earth for her grandkids. Her unconditional love for us has certainly made us a much stronger family.
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, don’t forget to reach out to all the mother-figures in your life. Your mother-in-laws, grandma’s, and anyone else who has made a remarkable difference in your children’s lives. And if you have a Baba in your life, we’d love to hear about it!
~ Lisa
If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for Mother’s Day or ANY day, send her the book everyone’s raving about! The Faith-Filled Grandmother
Lisa Mason-Drake is a Pinterest Marketing Specialist and Freelance Writer. Navigating her way through single-parenthood, her two amazing kids are her reason for everything!
