Christmas that year, our whole family celebrated together at their home in the United Kingdom. They packed the gender identity in a sealed box, which the doctor gave them when she had her first sonar. We had a countdown and as I saw that pink ball, I jumped up and down, shouting “yes, yes”. God had answered my prayer, for a little princess.

Elizabeth was due to arrive towards the beginning of April but appeared on the 9th March. I had planned my holiday so; I could spend with them for two weeks. My employer allowed me to take my leave earlier. My best friend became a Granny years before me and would rave about what these little people do to one’s heart and life. I could not relate until I came to experience this for myself. It was more than what I thought and expected to be.  

The love and joy I felt when I first held her, is something only Grandparents would understand. I wanted to protect her with my whole life. I prayed for her and over her life- that God would bless her with a healthy and long life. 

I had planned my holidays and visits in such a way I could see her every second month during that year. We would video phone several times in the week to see and speak with her. We received daily updates, videos, and pictures of her. Her first smile, when she could sit by herself, her first spoon-fed meal and when she started to crawl. They celebrated her first birthday whilst they were on holiday in South Africa. Her life instantly transformed our lives. My husband could visit her a few times in that year.

At Christmas, it is a custom in our family to write things we are grateful for over the last year. The number one on my list for the past two years were that I was thankful for the blessing of a grandchild, her health and growth.