We are going to be Grandparents!(1)
My Journey as a short-lived Nana
We were ecstatic when we received the news at the beginning of August 2016 that we would be grandparents. My husband and I were eagerly awaiting this blessing to come our way but remained patiently with no pressure upon the children. As they kept the gender a secret until Christmas, we called her "sea monkey". From the start, I prayed for “her”. I prayed that God would protect her and her mom. That she will carry her the full term and that she would grow in a healthy environment both inside and outside of the womb. And that our little sea monkey would have no abnormalities.
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.
I will be sharing more about my journey over the next few months. If you would like to stay updated, please sign up for the Newsletter.
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