I went to visit my youngest daughter, "May May" and my youngest grandbaby, "Little D".
After lots of playtime and a wonderful lunch I rocked "Little D" to sleep. He just looked up at me with those little eyes and listened to me sing. It didn't take long before he was fast asleep.
This little monkey started climbing out of his baby bed a couple of weeks ago so his Mom & Dad went ahead and switched his bed to the toddler bed. As you can see I put the ottoman in front of the bed. I am a typical Gran. Isn't he just precious?
As I was rocking my grandson to sleep I could not help but think of when my children were small. As much as I love my life of freedom it still brought tears to my eyes. I could not help but think of how they depended so much on me. If we crossed a street, we held hands. If they fell and hurt a knee, I could kiss it and it would all be better. If they were sleepy, they would crawl in my lap or in my bed and sleep peacefully. If they were scared they would reach their little hands up to me and I could make it all better. A sadness came upon me thinking of these things today but I looked around "Little D's" room and saw this picture. It reminded me that even though my children are grown up and have their own lives that God is in control. Sometimes I wish I could fix any problems that arise for them but I can't. It is just not like that. Some of your children grow up, work hard, make good choices and then some don't. I thought of the Mama bird that has the baby birds in the nest. Once they are big enough, she pushes them out of the nest and I am sure that she hopes they fly. But if they don't, they are on their own. I have 4 adult children and 4 grandchildren. I have watched my children learn to fly and one day I will watch my grandchildren learn to fly. Being a parent and a grandparent is a spiritual journey for me. What a special time I had today just rocking my grandson to sleep. Who would have thought I would feel so many feelings in that room with that little baby. They grow up so fast. I loved being in "May May's" home today. They are so blessed. I am so proud of their little family and the Christian home they have made. I am sure that my daughter had no idea that having that special quiet time with "Little D" was so special to me. I am learning so much as I get older. It is in those "Be Still" moments that I hear from above. We are so blessed.
SNIPPETS FROM MY HEART
Today I will remember to be grateful.
13 comments:
Being your mother, I know just where you are coming from. We try so hard to protect them from all harm, and all the hurt, and love them till we just can't seem to pour out enough, we love our children and grandchildren, and now, for me, my great-grandchildren also, (Little D being only one of them), and we so want to cover them with love and protection,.......so, they grow up and move away from your home, and they go their own way, and do their own thing, and your only source of help for them now is hope that in some way you have made the difference, and prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ that He will protect them and cover them and keep them and watch over them, when we can't. I, too, look back on the days when I rocked YOU, and sang to YOU, and to your sisters. And it is sad and it is sweet, the memories of it all, and we would not trade it for anything!
Darn it girl you made me cry. I well remember sitting up all night in the rocking chair, not able to put my sleeping baby down. I didn't know how fast time would fly, but I knew it would fly, and wanted to savor every moment.
And just the other day I watched as my two boys drove away together, on their first solo flight away from mum. How hard was that. Lord, please protect all of our children....correct them and keep their hearts turned toward You, and if they turn away, please go after them. Amen.
Oh wow Val, you have really touched a place in my heart. I really do miss those days. Not to say that it was always sunshine and roses, but it was such a special time to hold your own child in your arms. And the time does go by so quickly. I do not have any grandchildren, so my arms are empty right now, but I still pray for my sweet children. They have been a blessing and a wonder that I never knew could happen in my life. Take care dear Valerie, and cherish the moments.
Jocelyn
This is a lovely post Valerie and having 4 children and 4 grandchildre (one more on the way!) I know how you feel too. It is so special being able to hold, talk to and play with our grandchildren and to watch the great job our own children are doing as parents. The most amazing thing to me is being able to lift them all up to the Living God and watch how He works in their lives. Yes it is hard when at times we see them struggle but as you say, to know that our Father is in control makes all the difference. Thank you for your reminder today
What a sweet post. I sometimes wish I could just hold my girls and rock them again to take away hurts and disappointments. Time sure does move along...too quickly. Thanks for sharing your thoughts today. Julie
We loved having you come visit. Davis loves you and his pawpaw very much. I'm so blessed to be able to rock Davis like that each night, and I know that it makes everything else go away for a few minutes. I know that he loved you singing him to sleep and I loved the fact that you put the ottoman in front of his bed. You would have went crazy if you saw him flip out of his bed!!! That is such a granny thing :) Thanks for coming and spending special time with Davis. Please come again soon !
Love,
The Parkers
Precious Memories....
Your post gave me chills Val. Wonderfully worded, so heartfelt and so very true. God Bless! Michelle, Kents Store, VA
A beautiful, beautiful post that all mothers can relate to.
BUT you look waaay too young to be a grandmother!
Precious. :-)
There's nothing more peaceful than rocking a sleeping baby. What a beautiful sight! How quickly they grow up, but in a mother's heart they are always her babies and it's so hard to turn them loose and let them fly on their own. But how rewarding when they have that first successful flight and you know you've done your job well. And how rewarding to see them parenting their little ones and providing a secure, safe environment for your grandkids. I know you're proud of your Mandy!
O Val!
I think you reached inside our all the mother's hearts and you nailed it right on the head!
It sure does go quickly and more so each day.
I really loved your Mom's message. You have a history to be so proud of. Enjoy and appreciate her love for you.
Many years ago I had one of the most wonderful friends and she told me :Love is a circle - I give it to you -you give it away -until it comes full circle back.
That is one of the sweetest pics I have ever seen, it definately needs to be in a scrapbook!
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