We’re in the thick of it—grandchildren!

As each one of the seven came along, we rejoiced. We coddled and cooed and bragged—two from our daughter, Julie, and five from our son, Jason.

So how is it that these little people suddenly became big people? Taller-than-me people! They have turned into 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, and two 16 year-olds.

Thankfully, they still want to come to Nana and DoDad’s house. (Yes, “DoDad.”)  They also like being with their cousins. We ride the go-carts at the Fun Park, swim, eat, take in dollar movies (if we can find them), eat, play in Julie’s big yard, do a volunteer day, eat, and play in the park. Did I say eat?

They each have their unique personalities and likes, but they are well behaved and are fun to be with. We are blessed. Yes, there are bandaged knees, sprained wrists, and things broken at times, but that comes along with it.

I delight in the memories we are making together, conversations that help form values, while establishing that family is a loving, happy place to be. They love to hear stories of when they were little or stories about their parents when they were were younger, and our stories. It provides connection and a place of belonging.

When the two oldest girl cousins were born (a month apart), I began a photo album with two pictures per page and a space to write comments in between. A year later, the next next one came along, so of course he needed an album, too. Then another… and another… and another. Needless to say, my book shelves are full of albums of memories. At Christmas each finds a spot to sit with his or her album and look through the activities for that year. I must say, though, it is a lot of work!

Is all of our family life a garden of roses, a fairy land of magical happenings, a Kum Bah Yah campfire? Of course not. As with all families, there are times of misunderstanding, bitterness, even rebellion. Fortunately, God’s love overcomes it all. We can say with David:

I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble

Oh my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. Psalm 59: 16-17

Young parents, I implore you to follow God’s example of being a refuge and fortress as you grow your families. Grandparents, may we bring our unique joy into these precious lives as we build heritage.

However, I would caution you to watch your traditions with the first one or two grandchildren, for who knows, you could end up with seven, too! (smile)

~ Joyce ~