“Love, Gramma”

In February 2011, I moved from Colorado Springs to Phoenix.  I loved living in Colorado Springs, but I had been laid off for the second time, due to downsizing or company being sold.  I was “redundant”.

I decided it was time for change, both in job and location.   I chose Phoenix, because it seemed to have more tech job opportunities but most importantly because my youngest son, DIL and two Grandsons lived there.  My third Grandson (7^th Grandchild) was born in 2016.

I had two wonderful Grandmothers, which I had an active relationship with until their passing when I was in my 40’s.  My sons had four fantastic Grandparents, so I had multiple examples of how “Grandmothering” was to be done.

To my four oldest Grandchildren (all girls), I was new to the job of Grandmother and it took a while to find my Grandmothering style.  I love all my grandchildren equally and am so proud of all of them. 

In Phoenix, I have attended soccer games, soccer practices, school programs, graduations, birthday parties (both Grandchildren’s parties and even sometimes their friends).  We have gone to the park, to museums and to special events.  We have had “spend the night with Gramma.”

I even became what I called “Gramma Uber”, filling in to drive the boys places when Mom and Dad were not available or after school pick up.

It has been a wild and exciting ride!

For the last couple of years, my Phoenix family have been talking about moving across the country.  Once it was discussed, I knew it would happen, just not sure when.

Everything came together about a month ago and once it was definitely decided, things happened fast.  At first it was a shock, that what was only a discussion had become a reality.  I wasn’t sure how I would react to being distanced from a very enjoyable, exciting part of my daily life. 

The last few months have been busy and sometimes very stressful with other things that were happening and admittedly, I did have one night when everything was just overwhelming and I cried.  But as always, things looked better the next morning and I embraced the change.

Last week was particularly hectic and there were last minute Gramma activities before they left. 

As the time grew close for them to leave, I wanted to tell the boys something profound that might help them in the transition.

These are the things I wanted to say.

• One of the greatest joys in my life has been being your Grandmother and Grandmother to your cousins.  It is only matched with the joy of being Mom to your Dad and Uncle.
• I will always be your advocate, your cheerleader and your biggest fan.  It does not matter how far away you are and how old you are or I am.
• I have tried my best and worked hard to be a good Grandmother to you and your cousins.  At times I have struggled but be assured everything I have done was done joyfully because I love you.
• Be Kind. 
• Embrace change, whether it is under your control or not.  There will always be change, sometimes because of good things and sometimes change you would rather not make.  Look forward to it. 
• Be happy.  Smile.  Laugh.  Always try to walk in the sunshine.  It is always there, just sometimes hard to find.
• Love your Mom and Dad and siblings.  Love is patient, Love is kind, and Love never fails.
• Remember your heritage and your ancestors.  Study your family history.  Learn who you came from.
• Be yourself.  You are enough.  Accept yourself for who you are and where you are.  Accept others. 
• Remember the times we have been together.  When you are grown and have children of your own, tell them about me (and your other grandparents) and the things we did.   It will make you smile and your children will know us.

Last week, when they all left, two driving and three flying, Gramma was there for their departure. All I could say was “Good Bye, I love you.  See you soon”

I hope our time together has been and will continue to say all the other things.

I will see you in four weeks.  I have already made my plane reservations.