Anticipation

 Anticipation, a song from 1971 by Carly Simon, is how I have felt over the last six days, along with patience, variable deep breathing, prayer, and excitement.  My daughter gave birth to my first grandchild, a boy, after a grueling twenty-three hours of labor.  As her nurse instructed her to push, I found myself invested in doing the same.  And since it had been thirty-six years for me, it was a painful experience for both of us.

Somehow, after all the pain, suffering, ups and downs, it is all worth it when you see the baby boy, a true gift of God, and the father wielding a pair of scissors aimed at cutting the umbilical cord.

For eight months, we all anticipated the birth of this beautiful boy and the joys of raising a grandson. Many of our friends have shared their views of the fabulous position a grandparent occupies.

•  “You can spoil them and then send them home.”
•  “The relationship is like no other, so different from raising your own child.”
• ·“There are no words to describe the happiness in holding your baby's baby."
• ·“The best parents get promoted to grandparents."
• "You never know the love of a grandparent until you become one."
• "Parents know a lot, but grandparents know everything."
• "I know you've loved me since I was born, but I've loved you my whole life."

In anticipation of the new arrival, my daughter and son-in-law worked diligently to paint the room, assemble the crib, and purchase the rocker, along with cleaning and organizing everything for the special package to arrive. I have never seen an expecting mother so organized and ready for her child. Every t was crossed, and i dotted. Baby clothes were washed and put away according to size and color.

I hope things run smoothly when they arrive home with their new son. I realize there will be a trial period while they get to know each other and settle into their new roles, but I believe they will be fantastic parents.  And I will make a wonderful grandmother!

All my best,

Julie