I have just experienced yet another life passage. It is really my daughter who turned 40 this week, but it has created a whole new set of feelings in my aging self. I remember a little girl of 5 who proudly drew pretty pictures for me to put on my walls. I remember her first pair of "Mary Jane" shoes as well as her first pair of "high heels" (even though they were only two inches high). I remember a paper brought home from school in which she described me as a "mom who was as beautiful as gold." I see a little girl in a ruffled blue party dress who couldn't fall asleep because her birthday party was tomorrow. All the memories are as clear as if they were yesterday. Weren't they just yesterday?
I also remember a young woman of 12 who was determined to make her single mother a surprise 40th birthday party. The party was held at a friend's house, and she had called all of the friends in her mother's address book to come to the party! I was really surprised when I knocked on my friend's door and saw people from work, some old friends, some suitors and some of the people from other activities. It was an eclectic group for sure, but it was what I had provided her without knowing it! My friend had invited two Chippendale dancers for entertainment, and the party was a real event! I remember it as if it was yesterday. It was yesterday, wasn't it?
As this beautiful young woman of 40 arrived at the door, I escorted her to the same backyard in which she had experienced most of her early birthdays. The flowers were in bloom, the trees were taller and the patio had been enlarged, but it was the same place that held so many precious memories. Now my little girl had bloomed into a loving wife, a successful business woman and an incredible mother. She had a large gardenia plant in her arms to add to those that we had loved to smell over the years, because that was one of the olfactory pleasures we had shared. The flowers smelled the same, the green lawn was the same, the house was the one into which I had carried her as a newborn. It was all so different and yet so much the same.
My father used to tell me to enjoy each stage in life because "You blink and everyone is grown." I used to tease him about saying the same things over and over again, but this time it was my turn. Suddenly it all made so much sense. Yesterday had passed by and I had "blinked." It is now my daughter's turn. My six grandchildren shared the big birthday cake. Some played basketball together by the garage, some ran in circles through the house with big balloons flying behind them, and the two year old opted for another cupcake which was mostly smeared over her happy face. It was time for me to be grateful although nostalgic, because we were all together and healthy and content. No, this time it wasn't yesterday, but it was last week. Of that I am sure, but oh, the sweetness of memories linger as I am looking forward to all the tomorrows.
This Thanksgiving might seem a little bit different this year. I have been reminded that my "big birthday" is only a little over one year away. Seven decades will seem like a lot of Thanksgivings to have experienced, but I will try not to think about that. After all, weren't they just yesterday?
Grandchildren
(01 of16)
Open Image Modal"We bought our grandchildren a battery-powered car. Abby got in and was frustrated that her feet could not reach the pedals. Being the independent and 'assertive' girl that she is, she said to me, 'You, get in, drive' and off we went." -Paula Soffer (credit:Paula Soffer)
(02 of16)
Open Image Modal"The moment my grandson Charlie was born, it was like falling in love for the first time. When we're together, our time is spent laughing, reading, and playing whatever game Charlie wants to play. There are no limits to the silliness that takes place when we're together! My heart melts each time he smiles when he sees his Grandma Vicki. Charlie Pasternak is my best friend!" -Vicki Pasternak (credit:Vicki Pasternak)
(03 of16)
Open Image Modal"I am Ari's Grammie. I live in Dallas and he lives in New York. We don't get to visit in person that much, so we video-chat most days. Thanks to 21st century technology, we are virtual grandparents. We have eaten dinner together, played with toys, and sung. We've watched him reach many milestones like walking thanks to technology. We stay updated, though we wish we lived closer. We cherish the times we actually get to spend with him and hope there will be many more to come." -Michele Kesner (credit:Meredith Lewis)
(04 of16)
Open Image Modal"We are loving being first-time grandparents! Evan is the most precious little boy with the most adorable personality! He makes us laugh and fills our hearts with so much love! If we would have known grandchildren were going to be this much fun, we would have had them first! We are anxiously waiting the arrival of our second grandchild in October!" -Cindy Weinstein (credit:Cindy Weinstein)
(05 of16)
Open Image Modal"Hi I'm Stephanie: a young grandmother. I have five of my own grandchildren ages 14 to 16 months and four of my fiancé's grandchildren. I'm considered the cool, active grandma. This is me with Jakob, 10, and Jesi, 9. They are both runners like myself. They have been running for three years and both run 5K races regularly and are at the top of their field. I spend a lot of time with them. Kind of like co-parenting but me being the grandparent." -Stephanie N. Torres (credit:Stephanie N. Torres )
(06 of16)
Open Image Modal"Alex and me at Gulliver's Kingdom." -Maureen Dean Bartlett (credit:Maureen Dean Bartlett)
(07 of16)
Open Image Modal"My grandkids make my inner child come out to play! And what fun we have -- true JOY!!" -Denise Lilly (credit:Denise Lilly)
(08 of16)
Open Image Modal"The best place for a nap is in Grandma's arms! This is Reagan's only living grandparent and she loves her very much." -Alice H (credit:Alice Hasty)
(09 of16)
Open Image Modal"Alice and me, lovingly admiring every inch of her." -Marília Levacov (credit:Marília Levacov)
(10 of16)
Open Image Modal "I was in the birthing room when my daughter gave birth, and I even cut the chord. She is now 11 months old and she makes us smile everytime we see her. Now that she and her mother are living wih us, our hearts are filled everyday with so much joy and so much love. And everytime she waves her grandfather smiles from ear to ear." -Helen Scrivener (credit:Helen Scrivener)
(11 of16)
Open Image Modal"A grand love affair! Grandmother born July 10, granddaughter born July 17, exactly 80 years apart! Best friends!" -James Church (credit:James Church)
(12 of16)
Open Image Modal"After an exciting and exhausting day of riding Thomas the Tank Engine and visiting Santa Isabelle isn't too tired to appreciate sympathy and a smile from Opa. Izzie is the only girlin our four grandchildren and knows that she is special." -Art Pence (credit:Art Pence)
(13 of16)
Open Image Modal"Grandma Francine & Karley walk with Easter Bonnets on" -Tom Jacobs (credit:Tom Jacobs)
(14 of16)
Open Image Modal"I didn't really want to be a grandparent this early in life, but my little buddy Sarge (aka "Holden Christopher") changed my mind in a hurry. There is no doubt that he favors me. Look at what he "chose" to wear on his very first Halloween. Tie-dye, just like Opa! He is truly a blessing beyond belief." -Dan Walden (credit:Dan Walden)
(15 of16)
Open Image Modal"I enjoy my grandchildren so much! Fortunately both my daughters live nearby so I see my grandchilren often. They have grown up together and are very close, I love that! This is a photo of my daughter Misty's birthday. Sitting with her on the sofa are her children Kyle and Jessica, her older son Tyler is in in the back along with his cousins Casey & Jaden." -Michele Taylor (credit:Michele Taylor)
(16 of16)
Open Image Modal"Happiness is...grandmothering. What better way is there to celebrate a birthday than with grandchildren?" -Suzie (credit:Suzie)
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