“A grandmother is a little bit a parent, a little bit teacher and a little bit best friend.”

When I was raising my children my life was a burst of activity. I had a full-time job and always rushing back and forth from work, trying to squeeze in as much time with my kids as possible. Every day something was going on. I loved every moment of it and the days seemed to fly by.

Before I knew it the kids were off to college, then graduated and found jobs, got married and raised their families.

Before I became a grandma, I would sit and listen to my friends talk about how wonderful it was to have grandchildren. They proudly shared their photographs of them, and I knew when it came to my turn I wondered how it could be as amazing as they said.

But then when my daughter became a ‘mother,’ and I was the first to hold my granddaughter in my arms, it didn’t take long for me to realize that my own heart was now firmly placed in the palm of her tiny hand. As she looked at me with her big blue eyes it was love at first site—and I was fine with that!

I felt the same way when a set of identical twin boys arrived, all precious in their unique ways. It’s unbelievable how such little people can bring so much joy and happiness—but they do. And I discovered that it was even better than I could ever imagine.

Now with time and wisdom on my side, I can enjoy spending time with my grandkids without too much pressure.

My big, strong husband melts like a marshmallow in their hands. There is joy in my heart when I observe the love that is so evident between them, to watch them as they began to walk hand in hand, to see him with my son teaching them to ride a tricycle or when one of the little ones curl up on their laps, snuggled as close as they can get.

It truly doesn’t get much better. As my son once told me in jest, “I think you had us so that you could be a nana and grandpa!!! To this day I thank God for the gift of being a grandparent. “Thank You, God, for the gift of being a grandparent. I think it’s one of Your best inventions ever!”

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Terri Martin has a BA degree from Norwich University in Early Childhood Education and is presently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Psychology/Human Resources. She has published two children’s books and has been awarded the St. George Medal and the Bronze Pelican Award. She is an advocate for animal rights and children’s literacy. She is a graduate from the Institute of Children’s Literature.