My "blog" (really more a journal) is typically full of my random thoughts and poetry. The prompt for this month's blogging though is to write outside the box of what you normally do. I don't write about how to raise children - I have no expertise. I have three children and somehow they've managed to be well adjusted, productive adults whom I admire and respect. I don't take any credit for the way they turned out - I just thank God for the blessings they are! Anyway, here is the guest blog I'd write if anyone asked : )
Granny Tips
My oldest daughter and her family moved from Charlotte, NC to Snoqualmie, WA when the grandsons were about two and five. I was used to having them within a three hours drive and would often meet her half way to get the boys for a week long stay with Granny and Poppaw. It was hard to see them go so far away though we understood it was an employment opportunity.
I miss being part of their lives and worry that their memories of us will be disjointed images of holidays and infrequent visits. We call on the phone, face-time once in awhile, watch videos that my daughter makes and sends us occasionally and of course, I send gifts and cards for birthdays and Christmas and for no reason at all (thank you, Amazon prime).
But, those things don't seem like enough. I want to be part of their lives in concrete ways, ways that tell them who I am as a person, not just a relative they see once in awhile or think of as gift bearer or money giver. I want to build memories that last longer than my lifetime and hopefully become stories they tell their children, too.
One thing we share is a love of reading. All three of my children are readers and they instilled that love in their children. So, I decided to start reading books that the boys read so we could talk about them together. When I find a book I think they would like I'll send it to them. Recently I sent Divergent to Joshua (he's 15 now) and Return to the Willows for the 11 year old. Occasionally, they call me and recommend a book they've just read and think I'll like.
When they were younger, I decided to use my love of writing as a way to connect with them. I started writing a story about them and sent it by email. What kid doesn't like seeing their name in a book? They were thrilled. I sent it one chapter at a time and tried to have a "cliffhanger" moment at the end of each. I'd get an email back, "Granny what happens next? Hurry and write another chapter". I ended up writing two stories. One about a Saint Patrick's Day adventure and another about our Yorkie, Rivers, who the oldest grandson used to called his cousin. Their Mom has copied and saved the stories so they can share them someday with their kids.
Recently, I found that Matthew, the younger grandson shares an interest in poetry with me. He wants us to write together and for me to teach him some forms when they come in this August. That thrills my heart all the way to my toes and back again.
Whether they are across the street or across the country you can be in their lives in creative ways. It takes a little thought and work but if you really want to influence their lives and make lasting connections and memories you can.
