New grandparent role, new feelings -- joy and concern?
@abitosunshine (765)
United States
October 24, 2010 5:38pm CST
I became a first-time Grandmother on October 19th!
When first being told of this news a few months ago, I was concerned rather than joyful, as I felt my son not quite ready for the role of fatherhood, for several reasons. But, the moment arrived, and seeing and holding that baby, my grandson -- oh, what JOY! And what hope and happiness this new life can hold for us all.
If, or when, you became or become a grandparent, do you think your child as well as yourself, are ready for this new role and all it entails? Do you feel that a baby can be a positive even in not-so-positive circumstances? That JOY and LOVE are stronger than any issues that have gone before?
I do! I think this new life is a miracle for my son and for me. And I will enJOY this new role -- as soon as I get used to it!
I've uploaded a photo of me and my Grandson..:-)
4 people like this
7 responses
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
25 Oct 10
I never had children, so I doubt I will ever hold a grandchild (since I'm 52, not likely). I don't think anyone ever thinks their child ir ready for a child. That's what a grandparent is for. To get those calls all hours of the day and night. To ask the voice of experience for help. To have the kids realize you know something.
Congratulations!
@abitosunshine (765)
• United States
25 Oct 10
Thank you! You are probably right about yourself. My son is 38 and his life has been crazy so I'd thought being a grandmother might not happen. But it has! And this baby is a bundle of boy joy!
@GardenGerty (160949)
• United States
25 Oct 10
I do not think my son was ready to be a parent when he got married and had step children. Or maybe just not the ONLY parent. He was often pushed into that role. He does not particularly want to be a parent, although he is a pretty good guy with kids most of the time. I think my daughter was as ready as she could be, but she was twenty six when she had her first child, I think. I wish they lived closer, but they do not, so I do not spend extended time with my grands. My kids did not ever get to go stay with theirs, either. I did spend weeks sometimes with my mom's family. Life is just different now. Babies are positive, but if the circumstances are bad, they need to be sheltered and protected.
2 people like this
@abitosunshine (765)
• United States
25 Oct 10
Being a stepparent can be a tough role, been there and done that one, too. My son, nor his gal, are in ideal life circumstances, but I guess the baby's here so we hope all works out fine. And I'll do my best to be a great GrandMother to this wee one. I'm only a half hour away, so will probably see a lot of the child, and now more of my son, too.
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
25 Oct 10
Well Congratulations to you and of course to your Son and his Family
Yes I think I would be ready and my Son or Daughter to would be ready and responsible my Son is 26 and my Daughter is 23 so yes I think they would be just fine
@abitosunshine (765)
• United States
25 Oct 10
Great to hear your son and daughter are ready and responsible. I'm hoping this baby aids in my son and the baby's mother becoming moreso. If not, I guess that's where grandmother steps in.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
25 Oct 10
I think the same...the first time I saw my son hold his daughter..man I couldn't believe it...and he talked nonstop for the first few days about the miracle that he had a daughter! He changed her first pants...yucky ones too...gave her her first bath....and this is a man who I never could have believed could turn out to be such a wonderful father....and being a grandma....best job in the world!
1 person likes this
@abitosunshine (765)
• United States
25 Oct 10
That is so cool! I experienced same in the hospital the day the baby was born, watching my son change his first dirty diaper and putting a cute outfit on him. I had to chuckle as he handled his baby like he was afraid he was going to hurt it. I'm so looking forward to that grandma job!
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
25 Oct 10
Congratulations on the new grandbaby.
That's a role that I will probably never play. One has to have children in order to have grandchildren, and I don't foresee myself ever having children.
2 people like this
@abitosunshine (765)
• United States
25 Oct 10
Understood. My son is 38, I'd thought I'd never play the role either.
1 person likes this
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
28 Oct 10
I hope to still have many years to go before I will be a grandparent, but I do think that when the time comes either of my children will be equipped with the tools that they will need to be able to take care of a child of their own. And I also think that if there are any areas where my children need some help from me then I will also be ready to help them in any and every way that they find they need some help from mom.
1 person likes this
@abitosunshine (765)
• United States
3 Nov 10
It sounds like you and your children have this role covered quite well, bravo!
@GDTimothy (446)
• United States
25 Oct 10
Congratulations Sunshine! I loved the photo!
And, yes, I would think babies should be regarded as positive even in not-so-positive circumstances. I sure would, and I think you do too. The innocents are such a powerful key and hold so much potential that it would be a shame not to hold them as the brightest positive that could ever be! :-)
@abitosunshine (765)
• United States
25 Oct 10
Love the way you think, m'friend. And you are so right; I truly am holding a whole lot o' love and hope in this bright gift I've been granted.
