FOR ALL THE GRANDMOTHERS OUT THERE!

A friend recently sent me an email with a poignant message highlighting the special relationship of granddaughters and grandmothers. It was written by the mother in between those two, who said, “Being a grandparent is also a blessing that carries with it a love we never knew existed until the day we held our first grandchild in our arms.”

The author of these words is anonymous but there’s no doubt she was a happy grandmother. Here’s what she wrote:

“Mom, can I sleep at Grandma’s tonight?”

I heard this in the car, this morning. When I managed to turn around to see my child, it made me go back to the past. With just one sentence, she was no longer within my reach.

I’ve travelled far but when did time go by and make us adults, full of such boring priorities? We fight nearly every day for something we’re not even sure we really want when, in fact, Grandma’s house is where everyone needs to be happy.

Grandma’s house is where the hands of the clock take a vacation with us and the minutes pass unhurriedly. Grandma’s house is where a simple pasta and homemade bread seem to have different flavors. Delicious!

Grandma’s house is where an innocent afternoon can last for an eternity of games and fantasies. Grandma’s house is where the cupboards hide old clothes and mysterious tools. Grandma’s house is where the closed boxes become chests of secret treasures, ready to be unveiled. Grandma’s house is where toys rarely come ready — they are invented on the spot.

Grandma’s house is where everything is mysteriously possible. Magic happens and without worries. Grandma’s house is where we find the remains of our parents’ childhood and the beginning of our lives. Grandma’s house, on the inside, is the address of our deepest affection — where everything is allowed.

That luxury no longer belongs to me. Unfortunately, it will live with me only in memories. Even so, if I could place an order now — any order of all orders in the world — I would order the same thing:

“Can I sleep at Grandma’s tonight?”

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These words resounded with me this week because my granddaughter Maddie turned 18. EIGHTEEN!

So I thought I’d share a few photos which hopefully will stir your memories of Christmases, ballet recitals, her first iPhone…..and more.

No doubt about it: being a grandmother is the best job in the entire world. Happy Birthday, dear Maddie!