Dear Mom and Dad,
I remember that day like it was yesterday – the day you became grandparents. You sat in the waiting room for hours; sometimes patiently, other times not so much. You were excited and supportive, and that’s all that we could ask for! When our little bundle of joy arrived, it was so special watching your face light up as the nurse placed him in your arms for the first time. I knew you were going to be inseparable.
Over the next several months, you “just happened to be in the area” and stopped in to see your grandbaby on more occasions than I can count. You always helped, even when I pushed the help away because I felt like I had something to prove. I had to show you that I could do this, even when I was doubting myself. And on the days when I felt like I was failing or couldn’t seem to accomplish everything I wanted (like taking a shower), you reassured me that I was doing a great job and my son was incredibly lucky to have me as his mom. The funny thing is, I felt the same way about you. We are so blessed that he gets to call you his grandparents.
As time went on and he got bigger, the day came when you wanted him to stay the night for the first time. At first I thought, “He’s too little!”, but I knew out of all the people in the world, he was going to be the safest with you. I may have made you feel like you had never had a baby before, but all those last minute “don’t forgets” weren’t a reflection of your inability to care for our little man. They were the guilt I felt for leaving him that long and secretly hoping you’d change your mind after I reminded you of every.little.detail. You didn’t. I survived. He LOVED it.
Now that he is a weekend fixture at your house (and not just through the hundreds of photos of him you have on the refrigerator, on the walls and decorating coffee tables) I look forward to the stories of his adventures with you. He has so many wonderful memories! You spend the summer in the pool, fine-tuning his swimming skills and cheering for each small victory. You teach him the value of hard work by planting a garden that he gets to check on each time he visits. He learns patience as he sits on the bench waiting for a fish to bite. Even though you may be going for the “fun factor,” I see memories and lessons that will forever make up a part of who he is.
Oh, I almost forget, we do need to take a minute and talk about the sugar. I am going out on a limb here and guessing that when I was his age, I probably didn’t get candy at breakfast and TWO ice cream cones after dinner. I mean, how is that even fair? I was just as cute as he is, and I pulled all the tricks that he uses; batting my eyelashes, saying “pleeeassse” in my cutest voice and I KNOW I gave you a big hug just HOPING you would say yes. What’s that? It’s different? You get to send him home afterwards? Well that’s just cruel! All sugar envy aside, I secretly love that you have that “thing” with him where you give in on innocent requests but still garner his respect when “no” is “no”.
Your grandson is five now, and today was his first day of school. You’ve told me over and over to enjoy these moments because they pass so quickly. I often wonder if you would have changed anything or done something different raising me. I would hope that you’d say no because your parenting, your time, your discipline, your LOVE didn’t go unnoticed. I find myself asking “is that what mom/dad would have done?” when I make parenting decisions, because I value your experience and your insight more than anyone else’s.
Last night, I overheard your phone conversation with my little guy and sat around the corner listening to him talk about what he did that day: who he played with, how much he really wants a dog (not happening), and I couldn’t help but smile when he stopped and said how much he loved you. You have that effect on him, you know. He genuinely, 110% loves you with all of his heart and I can’t thank you enough for all that you do as grandparents. The help, the encouragement, the LOVE and the memories will forever be a part of him. Thank you for being the “World’s #1 Grandparents.”
With much love,
Your Grandchild’s Parent
(If you buy that dog for him, you are going to be in so much trouble!)
