Emeralds Gem Box: Happy Birthday Kennedy!

This Sunday, Oct. 17, will mark the 3rd birthday of my granddaughter, Kennedy!
What a true blessing the last three years have been.
When I had my children, I did not really understand how happy my mom and dad were. I knew they loved spending as much time as possible with them and I was always so thankful and glad for their help and support.  I also knew my children loved being with them more than with me, but yet I didn’t truly understand the scope of the reality of that love and bond until I actually became a grandparent.
So, what makes being a grandparent feel so amazing? I believe it is because when we were in our young 20’s or 30’s, raising our children was our job. We got up and went to work to make money to raise our family. At the end of the day, we went home and it was our job to take care of everyone (baths, washing clothes, dinner and bedtime). We awoke the next morning with the same tasks at hand. The sad fact of life is at that age we don’t have time to really relish in all the moments and memories. At such a young age, we feel like it will last forever.
I LOVED raising my daughters. I always felt like that was exactly what God intended me to be doing at that time of my life. I was able to have the relationship I had always dreamt of having with them. As they have grown, we have come to the point in our lives where we also have adult to adult love for each other.
Then along came my grandchildren and the exact love I had for my own children came back like a windstorm! It is indescribable. I am now wiser, I love deeper and my patience is much stronger. I am back in that perfect place I am meant to be and those little tiny fingers and those out of the blue hugs, kisses and the I love yous that I get to enjoy again make my world feel amazing.
I love watching Kennedy grow. I love being a part of her world and helping her grow. I love that every time she sees me she screams, “Glamma” and runs to hug my neck. I love doing puzzles, blowing bubbles, painting, playing with play-dough, eating popsicles and petting the cows. I love having a little girl’s room again with a canopy bed and filled with baby dolls, books, hula hoops (one for her and one for me) and toys on the floor to pick up.
There is nothing better, in this world, than experiencing the wonder and joy of unconditional love from a child; and having a grandchild is somewhat of a second chance to live life all over again.
There is no greater love than that of a parent/grandparent; and there is no greater gift from God than that of a child/grandchild.
Happy birthday, Kennedy. I am so glad God gave you to me!