Making Memories With Grandchildren

Isn't it amazing that God gives us a second chance to make up for the little things we missed out on, or took for granted when we were raising our children? And He does it through this wonderful miracle of life we call Grandchildren!

For two years now I have had the privilege of making memories with a dear little granddaughter, Karleigh Brooke. Her older brother Christian was two years old when he and his Mommy came into our family. I vowed back then to try to never be the grouchy Grandmother I remembered, growing up. And now I've been blessed with another, now seven months old, Dylan Chase.

I rocked all three babies to sleep singing "Bye-O-Baby" to the tune of "Precious Name", an old church hymn. Got lots of smiles from Karleigh when I sang "K-A-RLE-IGH spells Karleigh" to the tune of "Harrigan", an old Irish song my Dad used to sing. And when we swing outside, I sing "Oh how I love to go up in the swing", a song I learned years ago. Do you think I'm one crazy grandma? I'm making memories! Karleigh at 2 years old knows all the words and sings herself and her baby dolls the "sleepy time" song and that's a part of the daily ritual at naptime. Dylan loves it also and closes those big eyes when I hold him close, rock and sing.

Guess there's really something to that poem that says "I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep." Moms - it's a win-win situation. I'm not only teaching the love of music (though goodness knows I'm no Dolly Parton!) I am making good memories and maybe they'll pass them on to their little ones when I'm gone.

Before I close I'd like to share a few thoughts I call "Reflections From The Heart Of A Grandmother":

• The sweetest gift I ever received was the tiny flower clinched tightly in the hands of my Granddaughter.
• The best compliment I ever received was when my 8 year old Grandson said "You're the BEST cook in the world. (That was for a Brownie! I think he was just happy for the chocolate!)
• The sweetest words I ever heard: "MOMO, I WUB OOH-(translated is Mamaw I love you.).
• The most beautiful sight is those precious droopy-eyed babies looking up and trusting you to rock them until peaceful sleep finally comes.

If tomorrow never comes, I feel that I am one happy and extremely blessed Mamaw.

By Sharon Shearer from Ravenna, KY