The weekend provided a wonderful time for renewal, and the warm weather gives a glimpse into a bright and wonderful summer — so much different from last year.
At this time 365 days ago, the coronavirus pandemic made me stop and evaluate how to safely interact with my grandchildren.
It often meant I didn’t make car trips to Iowa and opted instead for FaceTime, packages in the mail and promises to see the young ones soon.
While technology is wonderful, it can’t replace actually being face-to-face with the grandchildren.
I’ve missed the added dimension and excitement of sticky fingers, high-pitched screams and the energy in the room.
This year, as the pandemic continues, I’m still cautious in my travels, making few if any stops along the way. If I do, I wear a mask and wash my hands as soon as I arrive and before I even pick the wee little ones up for a hug and a kiss.
My grandson Logan turns 2 this weekend. I didn’t attend his party last year but wrote him a letter explaining why he didn’t see Papa and Mmmmm-aw (his way of saying MeeMaw) in the flesh for his first birthday.
But we have continued to bond throughout the strange year that was 2020. Now 2021 is bringing on the babies.
By the end of the year I will have three additional great-nieces or great-nephews, and if that is not exciting enough, there will be a third grandchild.
And this one’s parents don’t live three hours away; they’re just a quick 30-minute drive to Adrian. I’ve already warned my son that grandparents have visitation rights any time of the day.
As the number of grandchildren grows, so does the fear that I won’t be able to effectively develop that MeeMaw relationship with each of them.
What happens if there get to be just too many?
Right now three is not a large number.
Each week I read the obituaries in the Star Herald, and one recent tribute listed 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
I wondered if she was able to meaningfully connect with each one of them? And if she did, how did she do it?
I don’t have any experience developing connections between generations since my grandparents were all gone by the time I was 2 years old. But I am going to try my hardest and think creatively with each one of them.
Psychologists say a child’s bonding with grandparents can lead to happier adulthood. What better way to combat anger in our society than grandparenting the next generation to be kind and considerate and mind their manners.
A connection can be made even if communication is done digitally or, as my personal favorite, by the written word through emails, text messages or even letters as the grandchildren get older.
Children need a person outside of their parents in whom they can confide feelings rather than act out in the world around them.
A grandparent fills a fun role in assisting the next generation, and I’m up for the challenge — even as the numbers increase.