I recently looked back at my prior blogs and realized I’ve been writing about my grandchildren for the past 10 years. Where has the time gone? It’s similar to the feeling I have when I think about how old my grandchildren are today—23, 24, 25 and 26. I thought to myself, “How much longer will I be writing and sharing the episodes of being a grandma?” These thoughts have brought me to this blog, my last blog.
From Dreamers to Doers
I remember writing my first blog about what each of my grandchildren wanted to be when they grew up. My oldest wanted to be a nurse. What a great profession. Then she shadowed a nurse who drew blood from a patient and my granddaughter immediately fainted. That was a quick ending to a career choice. She is now a successful wedding planner in Kansas City.
My second granddaughter wanted to play sports forever. Well, it’s a little different than she had originally planned, but she is now an assistant college volleyball coach for a Division 1 team and loving it.
My third granddaughter wanted to be an entrepreneur, and she attended the LPS Focus Program. She’s been baking and decorating cookies and building a great future as an entrepreneur. At $6 a cookie, who could say otherwise?
My grandson has always been involved in sports, especially basketball and baseball. He never thought about them as a job. Heck, he didn’t think about a job for a long time because he was the youngest. Once he was enrolled at University of Nebraska Lincoln, he became focused and wants to become a financial specialist. I never knew where that choice came from, but that’s where he is now and we’re thrilled. He’s still involved in sports, but it’s now golf.
A Bright Future Ahead
Who knows where each of them will be in another 10 years? I am confident they will continue to learn, grow and explore their futures. I also know I will be there as much as I can to support their goals and beliefs. I have discovered they lead me forward and keep me going each and every day and I want to be able to do the same for them.
My Legacy of Giving Back
I have always tried to keep the grandkids involved in community service. I am confident they believe in it, but not sure how much they are involved. Maybe I haven’t asked enough questions or even if they have any extra time to volunteer. Thinking back on my past, I didn’t get involved in giving back to my community until I was in my late 50s. So I’ll give them some extra time, or research ways they might get involved. I’ll still keep them in the loop of what I’m doing to give back to their community, which is now my new passion.
Our Everlasting Bond
My grandchildren help ground me as I use them as my silent therapists. I’ve begun texting them every day. I’ve found there are times when I need to express a feeling or a thought. I’ve told them I don’t expect them to respond at all, but this act has become therapeutic for me. It’s certainly cheaper than seeing a counselor!
Even though this is my last grandma blog, I won’t stop listening to my grandkid’s stories, dreaming about their future and sharing our experiences. It’s who I have become as a grandma. I challenge everyone to love and learn with someone you are close to, whether it’s a grandchild or not. It has been a distinct pleasure and joy to share our lives the past 10 years with you. I hope it has brought a smile to your face and an appreciation of the importance of being a grandmother!
Nancy Becker
Grandkids & Grandparents
