I have decided, that for me, the privilege of being a Grandma to my daughter’s children is a gift beyond measure.  Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to have grandchildren. That makes it all the more precious to those of us who do.

I remember the day as clearly as it if it were yesterday, the moment my first granddaughter was born.  It inspired me to write a piece entitled, “Bliss.” For indeed, it was just that. Disbelief and joy erupted into an all-encompassing love, as I was able to be there in the same room only a foot away, and see her enter this world. The tears ran down my face as the anticipation became a reality. I literally glowed from the inside out at the sight of her, my namesake, my Lora.  Now she will be forever known as “little Lora,” even as she towers over me when she hugs and kisses me hello and goodbye.

I am blessed to have two more wonderful grandchildren, Michael and Arcadia (known as Cadi.) As wonderful as it was being a parent, grand-parenthood has many advantages. Your main job is just to love them.  It is not your responsibility to raise them. You can just enjoy them and be there for them.

My husband and I have never believed in spoiling them with too many things, because that is not what we wanted our relationship to be based on.  Besides, they got so much from other people, that it was not necessary. Sure, we would give them gifts,but often they were things they could use.  Instead, time together was the gift we chose to give them. And the experiences of going places together, playing games and just being together were more important to them.

The way I know that this is so, is that one Christmas, I decided to give them “coupons.”  The coupons, which I made on card stock on my computer and printer were for doing things together.  They had things written on them, such as go to the movies, stay overnight, go out to lunch, (my favorite thing to do,) and just “hang out.”  They had our phone number on them and they could call us and ask for one of the activities.

One year, I thought they had become too old for them, and after they had opened presents they just sat there and looked at me. “Where are our coupons?” they said.  I was so surprised and delighted to know how much those coupons had meant, and I promised to make some for them. It reminds me of something I read and have always believed.  I forget the exact wording but what it boils down to, is that what children really want is your presence much more than your presents. It is a lesson that works with adult relationships as well.  And I learned that by being a grandma.