Friday, April 8, 2011

G - is for Grandparents

Recently, I lost one of my grandfathers.  We called him Papa Joe.  Actually, alot of folks called him Papa Joe because he was just a gentle, Papa kind of guy.

When I heard the news of his passing I couldn't help but think of how blessed I have been.  I mean, come on, really!  I am 45 years young, and up until that day, I still had 4 living grandparents!  How many folks can say that?  I know my husband hasn't had grandparents in over 30 years.  Yes indeed, I am blessed.

As I ponder this blessing of grandparents, I have to admit that not only am I blessed, I am downright spoiled rotten.  When I was born, I had 6 living grandparents and 6 living great-grandparents.  Mmmm...yep I just saw your jaw drop.  I am not making this up.  Twelve grandparents total!  That's got to be a record somewhere.

Now you're probably wondering how I got 6 grandparents if you're doing the math.  Allow me to explain.  My dad's parents divorced when he was very small and re-married, hence the 2 extras.  But I say, the more the merrier!  My step-grandparents never treated me any different than if I was their own blood.  Not only was I blessed with all of these grandparents, but I was the first born grandchild.  Whoaaaa mama!  I was not just spoiled rotten, I was plumb stinky rotten:)

My grandparents have always been such a blessing to me. They had as much of a part in raising me as my parents did.  I had my own little space at each of their homes.  Had my own toys, favorite foods, sleeping spot, etc.  My Granny, God bless her, to this day, still makes my favorite pie for me every time I go home, cherry-o-cream....Mmmmmmm Yummy!!

There is something to be said for being raised by a community of elders.  There were those rebellious times in my life when I really didn't care if I disappointed or ticked off my parents, BUT, I never wanted to disappoint my grandparents.  When I would get into trouble, which happened at least once a week, I would beg my parents not to tell the grands.

I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that my life is richer and better because of my grands.  I know that I would not be the person I am today had I not had their amazing influence in my life.  I pray that God will bless all the grandparents out there.  The ones still with us and the ones who've gone on.  G - is for Grandparents because grandparents ROCK!!!

4 comments:

  1. I miss my grandparents so much. I guess that's why I'm so protective of my older customers. Great post!

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  2. I essentially raised myself from the age of seven, so reading something like this always fills me with a sense of joy - like reading a fairy tale with a happy ending. Thank you. :)

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  3. Grandparents are amazing. I'm a step grandparent to 4 girls. I've never been truly "motherly" but I was born this ~Being a step grandparent I figure I'm extra. :) Thank you for celebrating your grands in this post.

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