Grandma’s Resolution

There is an expectation that once you have an empty nest and near retirement that life will slow down and there will be all the time in the world to do the things you’ve wanted to do. Actually it appears to be the reverse. Time seems to speed up and days seem to have fewer hours. The to-do list never seems to reach the “ta-da!” I find all my good intentions where my grands are concerned slipping by like warm soft Jell-O through a sieve.

My grands are spread out across the country—literally. I have one family in Washington and another family in Florida and another still in Ohio. I don’t have the privilege of being able to stop in and catch up with them frequently or give Mom and Dad a break by being able to babysit once in a while. Our holiday times are very busy when we all get together and there is never enough time to spend individually with each grand.

We have been able to connect with some of them through video conferencing using Instant Messenger and that is wonderful when the time can be arranged. One afternoon my oldest grand called me on the phone and excitedly told me I needed to get on the computer because he had something to show me. I did as requested and he was able to show me his science experiment from school where he’d built gadgets that make different noises. It was great.

But I truly want to be able to let each of them know I care more often than the occasional phone call, video conference, and holiday visit. So this year I have resolved to find more time to make those connections. There can’t possibly be anything more important on those to-do lists than connecting with my grands and making each one of them feel important and loved.

I am a member of Toastmasters International which is an organization that helps people hone their speaking and leadership skills. At a recent meeting, a young woman gave a speech about the importance of letters. She recounted how throughout her childhood her grandmother had connected with her that way making her feel loved and encouraged. Her grandmother passed away several years ago and in the process of selling the home, the family had found a package of letters that grandma had written just for her and not mailed. She treasures the letters and the connection she still feels to her grandmother through them.

My resolution will be a challenge. Our grands range in age from six months to nine years old. I expect there will be TLC packages sent, cards and letters mailed, phone calls made, more video conferencing done, and pictures exchanged. It will be an investment for the future—an enriching experience for all of us.

What have you resolved to do with your grands for this New Year?