Building Houses in Guatemala Didn’t Go As Planned

Building Houses in Guatemala Didn’t Go As Planned

by | Sep 6, 2023 | Grandparents

Last holiday season, I wrote about donating to build a family home in Guatemala. As a recap, I wanted my grandkids to join me and help me build a house for a family in need. I thought this would give my grandchildren a chance to travel together and work on a common goal.

Our Church’s Involvement with ConstruCASA

My church, the First-Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln, and the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Crete have built homes and the Xeptetan City Library in Guatemala for years. Both churches partner with ConstruCASA, an international organization that coordinates everything from our housing to finding the right families to receive a new home.

Being the eternal optimist, I figured everything was going to work out perfectly. Weā€™d all quickly find a time for our mission work, which would coordinate with our churchā€™s trips and set up our travel arrangements to Guatemala. Soon, everything would fall into place.

Timing Challenges & Adjustments

I learned our church’s next planned mission trip to Guatemala might be January or February and thought this timing would work great. But then, the plans changed. ConstruCASA’s next build date was in June. Our church’s youth group would be building six homes in Guatemala at this time, tooā€”and one of them was the house we had donated money to build. I knew all of the church kids would love the experience, and I was very excited for them.

Sadly, I knew the June timeframe would not work for us. After two deep breaths and regaining my senses, I realized I had no control and needed to move on. I told the grandkids. They were disappointed they couldn’t participate due to their university classes and jobs.

Taking a New Direction to Support the Cause

So, we did the next best thing, which was to make cards and gift boxes for our family in need. It was the least we could do to show them how much we cared and supported them moving into their new home.

The Final Results

Guatemalan boy with bicycle standing outside newly constructed home

In August, ConstruCASA announced that 39 youth volunteered on the June builds and shared photos of the locals helping out and the families with their new homes.

I shared this information with my grandkids. Although they still wished they could have participated in the building of ā€œourā€ house, they were thrilled to have a visual of the family and their new house. I told my grandkids, “There’s more work to be done, so we might be able to try again another year.”

We all agreed that not being in Guatemala to build our home was hard, but knowing we were helping others certainly felt great for all of us!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

You may also like

Why I Worry About My Granddaughters Living Together

Why I Worry About My Granddaughters Living Together

by | Aug 7, 2023 | Grandparents

All three of our granddaughters are in Kansas City living together. Iā€™m not worried about how it will work out, but I wonder if they do. Okay, maybe I’m a little worried.

Unforgettable Camping Mishaps & Playful Adventures

When they were young, all four grandkids stayed over night at our house, sometimes two to three times a week. It was great. They built forts, dressed up in costumes, put on plays and even slept outside in a tent. They played pool, did acrobatics in the basement and put holes in the walls when their somersaults and other antics went sideways. Most of all, they enjoyed each others company.

They always shared with each other and never fought who they slept with. They were resourceful. Yet I always felt this pressure to make sure they were entertained, having fun, laughing and learning. It was rarely hard.

Except when John and I took them camping near Mt. Rushmore. One of the grandkids got diarrhea in the middle of the night. That experience was not so much fun for either my grandchild or me, but of course John and the others slept through the whole thing.

Reuniting Under One Roof

Fifteen years later, the granddaughters are back together in an apartment sharing rent and other resources. I wonder what changes they will face.

Exploring the Challenges Ahead

John and I visited them last week in KC and everything was perfect. Their apartment is on the ninth floor of a downtown apartment building in Kansas City, Missouri, across the street from the main library. The view is amazing. The area feels safe and is very clean.

The girls have figured out how to pay for the rent and utilities. Maybe thatā€™s a no-brainer for them, but it will be interesting to see how they figure everything else out. Because now if someone puts a hole in the wall, they need to pay for it or fix it themselves. Grandpa wonā€™t be there to do the work for them. If they get diarrhea or wet the bed? They need to change it themselves.

And what about resolving issues that may arise? Two girls sleep in separate bedrooms and the third sleeps on a mattress on the living room floor, so what happens when they come home late and wake up my granddaughter in the common space?

I fear they’ll get upset with one another, speak negatively and never recover. I only want my girls to remain close through this temporary joint living arrangement.

A Grandmother’s Wish for Everlasting Connection

None of them have asked for my advice, and I doubt they will ever complain to me about the others. Iā€™ve never been in control of my grandkids and never will be, so I can only hope they keep and grow their bond during this time and see how they can continue to maintain their relationships with each other for years to come. And more importantly, keep connected to me!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

You may also like

Many Memories Worth Sharing

Many Memories Worth Sharing

by | Jul 10, 2023 | Grandparents

I don’t know if my daughter thought I was going to die soon, but I do know she gave my husband and I the gift of Storyworth, a keepsake book to record our lives so that we could pass down our memories and heritage to our family. Below is the experience we had writing our story.

How the Storyworth Process Works

We were sent a new prompt every Monday with questions about how we grew up, what our relationship with our grandparents were like, what songs we listened to in our youth, what our favorite stories with our siblings were and many more. They arrived each week for a year.

So, for 365 days, John and I responded to our prompts, never once sharing our questions or discussing what we were writing.

Two Different Writing Styles

I never talk about myself too much. Iā€™d rather shine the spotlight on someone else. So writing a “Nancy” book plucked me out of my comfort zone. Iā€™ve never been a terrific storyteller either, so my goal was to just answer my prompt in one day. As a result, my writing turned out short, to-the-point, and never played favorites with family members. But I included pictures, hoping the Kodak moments would be the highlight.

My husband, on the other hand, didnā€™t answer every question, but he took his time when he did respond to them. He thought about funny examples and adjusted the question to fit his humorous story.

Everyone’s a Critic, Even Our Grandkids

Our grandchildren read our books. They complimented our writing, thanking us for giving them stories about our lives growing up. They admitted that they weren’t as enthralled with our tales as they were when they read Harry Potter, but I’m not sure that’s true.

They talked at length about my husband’s stories. Everyone laughed and politely teased him about his experiences. His stories were wonderful, memorable and touching to all of us. We all felt closer to him.

Reflections from a Newfound Writer

I appreciated the opportunity to share stories that my grandkids may have never heard otherwise. Iā€™m not getting any younger and often forget what I did yesterday or the major themes in a book I just finished.

Part of me wishes I had a do-over with my book. Iā€™m not disappointed in what I wrote, exactly, but perhaps I didnā€™t give it the time I should have devoted to the project. I learned that I need to continue to look for ways to share my life and experiences with my grandkids.

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

You may also like

Life Lessons Beyond the Cap & Gown

Life Lessons Beyond the Cap & Gown

by | Jun 5, 2023 | Grandparents

Three of our four grandkids have received their bachelorā€™s degree. This past weekend, one of those three received her master’s degree.

Reflections on Aging at Graduation

I keep telling myself, “Iā€™m too young for this. Stop the clock of life. Time is moving too quickly!” Every one of my college graduates still look like they are 12 years old. To the graduates, I probably look like Iā€™m 100 years old. I guess thatā€™s the way life goes.

From High School Principal to Proud Grandma

For our granddaughter’s master’s degree ceremony, the commencement speech was a blur to me. I kept my eyes glued on her, bursting with pride, as she walked down the aisle and found her seat.

In my high school principal days, my eyes would’ve been watching for every stupid little thing like beach balls or air horns. But today, there were no beach balls or air horns. I began to relax, and I thought how funny it was that my old job was still part of my personality.

Memories of High School Graduations

I remember going to many high school graduations as the principal. Usually, I made transitional comments to keep the event flowing and sent positive thoughts to graduates and their parents. With such large graduating classes, our high school graduations lasted well over an hour. I certainly didnā€™t want to keep the ceremony going any longer than needed. Everyone was always excited and ready to celebrate.

A Grandparent’s Advice for Post-Grad Success

At the end of my granddaughterā€™s graduation, I wanted to give a speech, but I didnā€™t think she wanted to hear one from her grandma. Instead, I shared advice throughout the day. I told her:

  • Keep learning. Don’t think your education is over. Learn about the people around you, learn from the people around you and learn about yourself.
  • Look for the good in everything every day. There is too much negativity in todayā€™s world, too many people upset with each other and sad stories youā€™ll hear. Look for the all the positives around you. When you donā€™t see any positives, look at things from a different perspective.
  • Make the world a better place. There will always be anger between countries, between politicians and even between family. Some of these issues may affect you, while you may not even know about others. When the situation does affect you, listen intently and learn. Do your best to understand and make it better.
  • Have fun and laugh hard.

Times Change, Lessons Stay the Same

On our drive back from Indiana, I tried to recall what I told my daughters in the 80’s at their graduations. It was something like, “Enjoy your life, work hard and help others in need.” That advice wasn’t much different than what I was telling my four grandkids now. So, while times may have changed, some things will always remain the same.

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

You may also like

A Grandparent’s Guide to Fostering Political Engagement

A Grandparent’s Guide to Fostering Political Engagement

by | May 1, 2023 | Grandparents

Politics. Some people say itā€™s a naughty word. Others say itā€™s our nationā€™s most popular sport. Some people are conservative, some are liberal. While others look at issues, legislative bills and the law independently to make decisions regarding the issue and the impact on all citizens. Some say politics save us, and others say politics destroy us. We all think differently, which makes it interesting.

Lifelong Passion For Politics & Empathy

Iā€™ve always been political, ever since I had friends who were sent to fight in Vietnam. After a classmateā€™s death, the whole concept of speaking to power became engrained in me and is now part of my personality. That, coupled with Title IX, had something to do with also forming the personality I now possess. Iā€™ve turned into a grandma who wants to help everyone in need.

Nurturing Civic Engagement

Iā€™ve always tried to share my opinions with the grandkids without telling them what to do and what not to do. Thatā€™s their parents’ job, not mine. Now my grandkids are of voting age, so I remind them to investigate the candidates, pick their choice and vote. I would love to tell them how to vote, but I know better.

I let the grandkids know when Iā€™m making calls with a phonebank, knocking on doors, putting up yard signs and writing postcards. They usually donā€™t respond or they will send me a smiley note. I have no idea if they actually read it, but Iā€™m hoping theyā€™ll eventually catch on.

Events of the Ralph Yarl Shooting

The other day, one of my grandkids gave me a call and told me I should look into the Ralph Yarl shooting in Kansas City. Ralph was a 16-year-old who was picking up his younger siblings from their friend’s house. He thought he had the correct address and went to the door to get his brothers. Unfortunately, he was on the wrong street. When he knocked on the door, the homeowner was frightened and shot Ralph through the glass door. Ralph struggled to his feet and went to several other homes seeking help. Finally, someone called the police. Ralph was transported to the hospital, where he was treated and released after several days.

I asked my granddaughter if she knew the area where the shooting occurred. She indicated it wasnā€™t close to her apartment, but one of her friends lived very close. I asked her if she was frightened, and she said no but wanted me to help bring an awareness to others and get involved in important, life or death issues.

Taking a Stand For Gun Control

Since I talked to her earlier this week, Iā€™ve thought more about her request. We have homicides in Lincoln, but Iā€™ve always thought of them as people who were angry with each other. But I checked the Lincoln and Nebraska statistics about hate crimes. They are certainly here. Lincoln and Nebraska are not immune. So I started calling my state legislator and asked about his views on gun control. He does not seem to believe in gun control. He wants anyone, anywhere to have quick access to their favorite firearm.

I called my granddaughter and told her Iā€™ve found my new cause, which may give her some motivation to do the same. If nothing else, I know sheā€™ll read my new questions and comments about getting involved.

Two days later, she sent me a video as she marched through downtown Kansas City and protested. I guess grandkids are always listening, and they will act when the topic hits home. Weā€™ll always be connected!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

You may also like

Revisiting Rowe Sanctuary in the Sandhills

Revisiting Rowe Sanctuary in the Sandhills

by | Apr 3, 2023 | Grandparents

Last week, my husband John and I visited Rowe Sanctuary to watch the cranes. We knew it was early in the season, but John had a meeting as chair for the Spring Creek Prairie Stewardship Board. It was great timing for all of the events.

Our Most Memorable Moments

Several years ago, we took our grandkids to Rowe to watch the cranes. They were enthralled and enjoyed every moment. While we’ve had many adventures with them over the yearsā€”like skiing and traveling to Hawaiiā€”Rowe is still a favorite. When we told them we’d be returning, they shared their best memories of the trip.

My grandson remembers throwing up in the car. The other grandkids talked about laughing out loud when they were supposed to be quiet. None of us could forget the freezing wind against our faces.

Rediscovering Sanctuary Grounds

As John participated in his meeting, I began to re-explore the sanctuary grounds. It looked different, yet the same. Maybe that’s because I had my cataracts removed and needed a new pair of glasses, or maybe the place was actually new.

I noticed the river had changed course because of the flooding in Nebraska. I saw some of the trees near the river had died, but they still looked majestic in the openness of the sanctuary. There was a bit of snow left on the ground.

I took pictures and shared them with our four grandkids. They compared the photos to their memories. They still loved hearing the cranes in the field eating and resting.

Planning Virtual Crane Viewing

We all remembered the weather, the animals, and each other’s company. “But do you remember anything about the cranes?” I asked them. They paused for a minute and I laughed, reminding myself that our visit happened years ago.

“We’d love to visit Rowe again,” they said, “now that we’re older.” I wondered if my more mature grandchildren would get something new out of the experience. Then I questioned if they were actually mature when they were all together.

Either way, I knew they were all too busy with school and work to come to the event this year. So, I suggested video calling them and watching the livestream of the cranes on our laptops. After telling me my idea was a little archaic, they all agreed to give it a try. We set a date and time. I couldnā€™t wait.

Creating Imperfect Memories

The livestream and our video call were wonderful. They weren’t perfect, but we all agreed it was the best we could do. While none of us are ā€œbirders,ā€ we still appreciated our time together, making memories and embracing the ā€œoopsā€ moments just like we did all those years ago. If you could communicate with the cranes, they’d tell you that the “oops” moments are the best of all.

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

You may also like

Stepping In to Make a Wedding Perfect

Stepping In to Make a Wedding Perfect

by | Mar 6, 2023 | Grandparents

When I was principal at Lincoln Northstar High School, I was blessed to have so many refugee and immigrant students. I loved hearing their stories and helping their families navigate the United States. But one studentā€”a 15-year-old born in Togo, Africaā€”became my life-long friend.

Finding His North Star

His name is Vincent. Vincent was intelligent, bilingual in English and French, social and successful in several clubs at Northstar. Vincentā€™s mother was a single parent to three boys. They didn’t have extended family in Lincoln, but they did well. Over the years, I watched Vincent grow in his career and personal relationships. He met a wonderful young woman, Elizabeth, and introduced her to me at Thanksgiving dinner.

Love in the Time of COVID-19

Then, during the height of the pandemic, Vincent and Elizabeth called me. They wanted to meet with me. When they arrived, Vincent announced they were getting married. Since neither of them were religious, they wondered if I would officiate their wedding. I quickly said yes.

Planning a Pandemic Wedding

They werenā€™t having their wedding until 2022, which gave me plenty of time to get ordained. I contacted a friend who knew how to get an officiant certificate online. She talked me through the process. Done.

Later, I had to plan the ceremony. Throughout the process, I asked for their input, posed questions to the couple and continued my research. Little by little, everything came together. Thatā€™s when I started to get nervous. What if their big day wasn’t perfect? Not a day went by without me thinking of how I could make things better for them.

Up until the rehearsal, I had kept quiet and did what I was told. But that night while everyone scrambled, my principal voice came out. I directed staff that hadn’t worked a wedding before. I reorganized the processional and recessional when the mothers of the couple couldn’t see as they sat on the outside of their rows. Vincent and Elizabeth gave me a thumbs up.

Becoming a Substitute Grandma

The next day, the wedding went off without a hitch. The food and venue were perfect, and the couple looked radiantā€”their love for each other on full display. I still felt guilty about butting in, but I reminded myself thatā€™s what grandmas do, even substitute grandmas. They work hard to make things perfect, stepping in when something is off. And while Iā€™m not ready to officiate at another wedding, I know I can be a substitute grandma any time Iā€™m needed.

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

You may also like

How Healthy Is My Heart?

How Healthy Is My Heart?

by | Feb 6, 2023 | Grandparents

I fell in my home. It was in the afternoon on a very cold day. I was watching TV, keeping occupied inside instead of braving the cold and walking outdoors. As is known to happen to grandmas, I had the urgent need to use the bathroom. Youā€™ve seen the commercials, so you know how this goes. I threw the blanket off my lap, not realizing it was still wrapped around my legs. Then, bam! When I went to stand, I fell flat on my side.

Getting Up After a Fall

As I was lying still, I saw blood under my head. I slowly got up, saw more blood, and got to work cleaning my wound and the floor. Soon after, John joined me and looked at the side of my head. He insisted on taking me to an urgent care. I shooed the idea away until my head started pounding. Then I agreed. At the urgent care, the staff was very helpful, and I walked away with three staples.

Round Two in the Urgent Care

The next morning, my head was better, but now my right foot hurt. We went to Bryanā€™s urgent care without any disagreements from me this time. After X-rays, I was put into a walking boot because of a fracture in my foot. I could only think, “What the heck? An injury?” This was a first for me.

I know I will heal fine and be back to playing pickleball and taking long walks in a couple of months. However, it did cause me to think about my age and my personal expiration date.

Finding My Heart Age

I routinely go to my primary care physician, and heā€™s never put up any red flags about my longevity. Still, I was curious to find out if my heart age was the same as my chronological age. I remember seeing something in his office about comparing those two ages through an online questionnaire. My daughters and grandkids were all concerned about me. Everyone would be on my back if I didn’t look into it.

So, I took the questionnaire called HeartAware. It was easy to complete, even for an old lady like myself. I couldnā€™t recall all of my health information, but by going through my old ā€œMyChartā€ entries, I figured it out.

My HeartAware Results

The results of the questionnaire were not perfect, but they also weren’t as bad as they could have been. My actual age is a couple of years younger than my heart age. My cholesterol level was my main issue, but I’m allergic to statins, so I’ll try to lower my cholesterol through diet.

I informed all of my kids and grandkids about the difference in the two ages. Their reactions varied from, ā€œBut youā€™re so active, how could that be?ā€ to ā€œWhat will you do about it?ā€ to ā€œHave you told your primary care physician?ā€ All of these were good questions.

I promised my grandkids I would follow up on all of their suggestions, even before Iā€™m able to take this crazy boot off. Iā€™ve created a new Rocky workout routine and hope it goes well. All my grandkids told me they loved me, but they couldnā€™t figure out who Rocky was.

Take an Online Screening

What’s your heart age? Take the free HeartAware Risk Assessment now to find out!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

You may also like

A Christmas Miracle in the Making for 2023

A Christmas Miracle in the Making for 2023

by | Jan 9, 2023 | Grandparents

Our family had a wonderful holiday, and my grown grandkids are once again believers in Santa Claus.

Iā€™ve tried multiple times to get my grandkids together to go on a quick trip around Christmas. In the past, when the grandkids were on holiday vacation, we took several trips to Disney World and California. It was an adventure. The weather and airlines were always perfect. We havenā€™t been able to recreate that magic lately. College and work schedules won’t cooperate, but that doesn’t stop me from researching places they’d find enjoyable.

A Plan Is Formed

This year, I wanted to provide my grandkids with a meaningful experience. I often volunteer with my church to build homes in Guatemala, so I made a donation to the cause in my grandkids’ names. Secretly, I also hoped they could join me in Guatemala to build the home.

The Big Reveal

After opening our gifts on Christmas, I showed my four grandchildren a video of a Guatemalan family thanking Constru Casa for the contributions and efforts made by our church to build their family a new home. When the grandkids saw the video, they were a little confused. They knew I had visited Guatemala several times to help build homes, but they had no idea why I was showing them the video.

It was then that I revealed to them that I had sent Constru Casa funds for a new homeā€”that the building would have a plaque next to the front door with their names on it. Iā€™ve never seen them so quiet. I also told them I was planning to help with the build, and I would pay for their trips and time to join me if they could.

Real Christmas Miracles

Tears of joy sprang to their eyes. My grandkids, who are always talking, had nothing to say. I loved it! Very rarely do they get overcome with emotion. I know it may never happen again.

I explained that the dates for the build hadn’t been set yet, that the real Christmas miracleā€”getting time off and actually making it happenā€”was still to come. I understood if they couldn’t plan around school and work without a solid timeframe. But they want to get their hands dirty, so I’m starting my investigation.

When will the build take place? Will I be able to build? Will any of my grandkids be able to join me?

This story isn’t over. It will be continued when I have more information. For now, I’m excited by the possibility. Weā€™re giving back and helping to make a family’s life better. I know that my grandkids, whether they join in person or vicariously, will have this project to be proud of forever.

So, yes, there is a Santa Claus.

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

You may also like

The Art of Digging

The Art of Digging

by | Dec 12, 2022 | Grandparents

Our granddaughter has been playing volleyball since she was five years old, and I hate to say itā€™s coming to an end.

On the Leaderboard

When she was in elementary school, she was short but made up for her lack of height with her hustle. Itā€™s almost as if she was born to play. She followed all the rules, understood the game, and moved around the court with ease and grace. In middle school, she continued to learn the ins and outs of the game and improved her skills. While in high school, she started as a libero for three years, improving majorly every year. Her name is still on the leaderboard at Southeast High School for her number of digs!

Small But Mighty

Following her success in high school, she was accepted to play in college at the University of Missouri Kansas City. Even though she was only a five-foot-two libero, she excelled as a Kangaroo. While playing at UMKC, she garnered awards and multiple recognitions for her digsā€”including the conference libero of the year.

After graduating from UMKC, she had a COVID-19 year, so she decided to travel to another state. Butler University in Indianapolis made her an offer, so she spent her year as a Bulldog nine hours from Lincoln. We make the trip to Indiana as often as we can. She is still known for digging the volleyball off the court floor and getting it into position for her team members. But even now, I’m still waiting on her growth spurt.

The Final Home Game

Last week, we went to Butler to see her play in her final home game. It was an honor to be there. For “Senior Night” at one of the matches, she told me to watch the big screen during the introductions. I waited with great anticipation but had no clue what she was talking about. Finally, my granddaughter came on the screen and recognized me as one of her female mentors who inspires her every day. I teared up.

After the game, I asked her why she recognized me and not her mom. She said everyone else was recognizing their mothers, and she wanted to do something different. I wasnā€™t sure whether it was a compliment, but I took it as one.

Can You Dig It?

A phrase used by my generation that once meant “Do you understand it?” takes on a whole new meaning. My granddaughter can certainly dig it. Her ability and tenacity on and off the court are about ready to be unleashed on the world. She’ll teach the world to dig it!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

You may also like

Working Girl: An Unexpected Creative Journey

Working Girl: An Unexpected Creative Journey

by | Nov 14, 2022 | Grandparents

We have an amazing granddaughter. Of course, all four grandkids are amazing, but our third grandchild has really surprised us. Growing up, she loved teasing everyone and popping up in unexpected places. She always made me smile and laugh with her antics and weird faces. Today, she continues to amaze us.

What Will She Do Forever?

In high school, she loved playing tennis. If she had a tough match, she could laugh it off and go on her way. Academically, she was a very good student and even graduated from high school a semester earlier than the rest of her class. I always wondered what kind of career she would end up following.

After college, I still wondered what she would do for the rest of her life. As I write down these words, I’m reminded that Generation-X kids have five to eight jobs during their lives. I now realize my comment is so grandma-ishā€”or maybe “ancient” is a better word! Either way, I always thought she’d follow one career forever.

Starting Her Professional Journey

Already, she has worked several jobs. What amazes me is how each of these jobs shows me how creative she is. Her personality and skills are shaping her life. She worked in the Made in KC store, where she learned how to create designs for shirts, cups, bags, and more. There, she came up with ideas that thrilled the people in the store.

Ā Then, she took the skills from that job and started selling her own creations on Etsy. (She had to inform me what Etsy was because, yes, Iā€™m the grandma!) She and a friend also rented a booth at Junk Stock in Nebraska to sell her products. Her smiley face bags, earrings, and car deodorizers were a hit! She was making really good money, and I was in awe of her.

Harnessing Her Creativity

She expanded her creativity into designing and decorating cookies. I was surprised. In high school, she never took art classes, cooking classes, or any type of creative courses. One day, I decided to ask her, “Were you always this creative?”

She laughed but admitted she didnā€™t think about it in high school. I know it was always there, though. Her mind was probably moving all the time, and she didnā€™t know how to harness it until now. Did I just say harness? There’s no harnessing this girl.

No More Old-School Thinking

My granddaughterā€™s creative juices will provide several opportunities for different careers. I have learned her main strength is looking at an entire picture in a unique way and never looking back. She has taught me a great deal by watching her grow and blossom. I know I canā€™t duplicate her skills, but I can support her and not count the number of jobs she has as some measure of success or progress. Thatā€™s so old school!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

You may also like

Grandmas Will Always Be There

Grandmas Will Always Be There

by | Oct 24, 2022 | Grandparents

A couple of weeks ago, we traveled to Denver, Colorado. Other than visiting grandkids in Kansas City, we have stuck close to home. Whether our concern was because of COVID-19 or not wanting to spend too much money, I donā€™t know, but that was our decision. We probably would have continued to stay put forever had it not been for our granddaughter playing volleyball for Butler University in Indianapolis. A couple of weeks ago, the Butler Bulldogs played in a tournament at Denver University in Denver. We decided to make the trip to be able to see her play in person.

We had so much fun seeing her play and cheering her on. Woof Woof!! They are the Bulldogs and that is the parent cheer! Iā€™ll do anything to fit in. Sheā€™s having a great time playing and studying in a brand new environment. She feels very lucky, and sheā€™s happy! Bonus.

Spending Time in Colorado

Weā€™ll take any excuse to connect with them and find out what each of them is doing. I took pictures of her playing with my phone and I sent them to all of the grandkids. I also decided to send postcards so they can get a surprise in their mailbox, which they assure me makes them smile. I went to Colorado prepared for the postal communication with those very important postcard stamps. The problem was I couldnā€™t find any postcards at Denver University. Zero. That was OK as we were extending our trip from Denver to see the mountains for a few days.

We stopped in Breckenridge and explored the main street. Tourists were back exploring the many tourist stores. I knew I would find postcards in multiple places. I was thinking a postcard with a bear on it or a picture of a major hiking trail. What the heck? I couldnā€™t find any postcards at the usual locations. I walked up and down the Breckenridge strip. Yes, I visited all the stores on the main drag.

Nothing. Not one postcard.

Why are there No Postcards?

I remember the good old days when postcards were even displayed outside the store with these scenic pictures luring others to visit a specific site. I remember pictures of historically significant museums and historical sites. But what? Nothing? No postcards in Breckenridge, CO?

OK, I get it, Iā€™m old-fashioned which is appropriate as Iā€™m officially old. I get the vast changes in how we communicate. I can, and do, pick up my cell phone to take pictures and send them to all family members in a matter of seconds. OK, almost. Full disclosure, I can send one picture at a time, not multiple pictures. I somehow think my taking the time to write a personal note is meaningful to them. I also need to be realistic and recognize not all people are as excited to receive a note, or a written thank you from someone near and dear to your heart.

I put a great deal of thought into my postcard dilemma and have come to a couple of conclusions. I will continue to look for postcards of locations and meaningful times where I can share my thoughts, my experiences and journeys with those I love. I will also continue to write notes to the grandkids where I share those same thoughts, without pictures. The cards show my handwriting and I pray the grandkids can still read my cursive, which I donā€™t think they learn at Lincoln Public Schools anymore. Once again cell phone texting wins the race .

When I asked the grandkids what they thought about my mailing them a card once a week. They all answered, how much they appreciate the notes I send them. I think they appreciate getting something in their mailboxes that isnā€™t a bill. Also, I frequently include a $20 bill. It canā€™t hurt!! Thank goodness the grandkids do not request Venmo and still like cash. Because they know theyā€™d never see any money out of my nonexistent Venmo account. Lifeā€™s journeys just keep moving forward, postcards or no postcards. Grandmas or no grandmas. OK, weā€™ll make sure Grandmas will always be there!!

Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker

Grandkids & Grandparents

IĀ have four grandchildren ages 14-17. In some ways, Iā€™m a very typical grandma, always proud of everything the kids do and wanting to help support them in whatever way I can.Ā In other ways, Iā€™m not very typical. My goal as a blogger is to share my thoughts and experiences that I think are funny and meaningful as I adventure through grandmahood.

You may also like

Pin It on Pinterest