Here’s to All the Grandparents Who Give and Give
When I first became a mom, it was one of the most precious moments of my entire life. I knew right then that my life has changed forever. It was a bittersweet experience. We were so focused on becoming parents ourselves, that we forgot even you have become grandma and grandpa to my little Soha. You didn’t have to come and stay with me after my delivery, but you did it anyway. You knew I was too proud to ask for help, so you offered it yourself. I cannot thank you enough for all those nights when you stayed up rocking my baby so I could get some sleep. You helped me by taking out the garbage and making me warm meals and tucking me to sleep at night like I was still your baby girl. I guess turning 30 doesn’t change much. And whenever I tried to thank you, you became annoyed, and you’d always say that’s what grandparents are for!
You have taught me far more things than I could ever learn by reading a library of parenting books. You supported me when I decided to become a vegan. I know how much you loved cooking me my favorite chicken curry and soup all these years. You didn’t flinch when I said I wanted to take one year off after school to decide what I wanna do with my life. I remember how calm you were during high school when I had just hit puberty and were raging with hormones. I was a teenage beast during those years. I know I was a difficult child back then, but you rarely lost your temper with me. You knew exactly what I was going through. You always found a way to get around me when I was at my worst. Whether it was my first breakup or the time I was struggling to find a job. I knew you were apprehensive when I said that I wanted to be a photographer. But you never stopped me from becoming who I wanted to be. When I was having a hard time with my career, you could have easily chided and said, “See, I told you so.” Instead, you supported me and helped me be the best version of myself.
Even when I wasn’t ready to become a mom, I knew you guys would be the perfect grandparents for my kid. Thank you for taking my kid horse riding. You came to the rescue when I had no one to babysit at the last minute. Thank you for how Soha’s eyes light up when she’s coming over to your house. For those days of baking cookies, and the extravagant dinner- the salad, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, dessert. For never ever (ever ever) letting her leave your house on an empty stomach. For buying her cool new video games and doing puzzles with her. For all the candies and the Slurpees. For cheering and encouraging her on all of her sports events. For helping her with her homework. Thanks to you, she now knows some hard maths facts.
Thank you for reminding me to let go when all I knew was being uptight. Thank you for putting up with my occasional row when I find you spoiling your grandkid with too many presents and treats. I know we have taken a different parenting approach. I never saw you frown once when I did things differently. You always laugh and say how you used to do it back then. I hope I am half the parent that you are. You have taught me how to raise an independent kid and navigate through the differences with trust and respect. Thank you for being fiercely loyal. Thank you for being YOU!
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