Grandmother's Page
1)-Stories
2)-Grandparent's Day in The Schools - How to do it!
Stories
Invitro Moment: The Joy of Modern Technology by Kathy Labataille.
Hi, Just want to share with you the moment we, my husband and I, shared with our daughter and son-in-law while she had an ultra sound. At first we were a bit tense, as we were quite surprised they asked us, we didn't have stuff like this when she was born.
But, when the moment arrived and we saw our new grandchild's little feet, spine and head we all couldn't contain ourselves. It was amazing how grown, retired people could become so excited and childlike ourselves.
We all bonded when we found out that the child would be a girl. Wow, what a moment. My daughter was totally in heaven to know she would have a daughter to be with for the rest of her life. My son-in-law still can't stop smiling. I can't keep from buying pink outfits. My husband is talking about college funds.
This moment will always be with us. It was almost like participating at the birth (of which we still are awaiting) without the pain and turmoil. I would recommend grandparents to be to be open to new technology. It's great.
Part of growing up means expanding our sense of tolerance,
compassion and
understanding. Here's a good example.
A Tale of Two Grandmothers by Clarice Orr.
I was profoundly moved recently while I attended a re-enactment of the Last Supper in our Methodist Church with two of my friends, both widows and grandmothers. As the event proceeded, my attention drifted to observing my friends and reflecting about the differences in their lives.
Twila had her grandchildren with her. Her daughter, the single mother of four, was working that evening as a surgical nurse in the local hospital. Twila is battling multiple sclerosis. Although she walks with the aid of a cane, and leg braces fastened to her shoes, to steady her wobbly gait, she remains on the go, determined to "do" for the children and enrich their spiritual and cultural lives as much as she can.
I watched my friend Eunice whispering with a neighbor during the production. Having returned from her daughter’s home the day before, Eunice was surreptitiously showing off new photos of her adopted granddaughter, Chana. Eunice’s daughter, Kathy, converted to Judaism several years ago while studying Old Testament history in New York City. Kathy has assumed the Hebrew name of Batya and is married to a college professor at a Florida University. They adopted Chana, a biracial child, and promised to raise her in orthodox Jewry according to the wishes of her birth mother’s parents. Two weeks ago, Eunice flew to Florida to help her Kathy with the many preparations for Passover. She helped with the ritual cleaning of the home a swell as preparation of kosher foods.
When Twila and Eunice were little girls going to Easter services and Sunday School in their new dresses and black patent Mary Janes, their own grandmothers, and other elders, were their role models. But so many changes through the years have altered their lives in a multitude of ways. In spite of these changes I see Twila and Eunice adapting and accepting their grandmother roles with much the same courage and hope their grandmothers did in pioneer days.
Twila says her grandchildren have saved her life. "They give me a purpose to live every day. There is no time for me to sit home and feel sorry for myself." She drives to their home every morning to get Trent, 8, and Taylor and Tyler, both 5, off to school. Tessa, 3, keeps Twila on her toes for the rest of the day. After school she picks up the boys again and does what is necessary until Mom is back.
Many grandparents find it difficult when their child or grandchild chooses another religion. But Eunice says she finds that supporting her daughter in her religious choice is the right thing to do. In fact, Kathy’s Jewish community welcomes Eunice with open arms because Eunice is such a kind, generous and understanding person.
Twila and Eunice find strength in their own faith that teaches them to be "satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens." Both grandmothers know the value of their vital connection to their grandchildren, and their roles and responsibilities as an openhearted parent. Acting upon their dedication has given meaning and importance to their lives and has bestowed rich blessings on their grandchildren.
Clarice Carlson Orr is a writer, teacher, lecturer, and founder of the "Joy of Grandparenting." She can be reached via Email at co41418@navix.net.
Many grandmothers ask about having a grandparent's day in their local schools. here's how to do it.
A Do-It-Yourself Grandparents Day In Your Grandchild's School
Many people have asked us to describe the nuts and bolts of doing a Grandparent's Day in their grandchild's school. The idea is catching on and we're finding that more and more school administrators are open to the idea of working with grandparents who want to make this wonderful event happen. So go for it!
The first thing you should know is that you don't have to do it all yourself. Grandparent's Day in the School is a community event. You'll eventually be working with not only other grandparents, but also local businesspeople, media and community agencies. The more people you involve, the less each individual will have to do - provided they all have a strong leader (you!).
The first step is basic: Plan, plan, plan. Create a planning committee that includes the school principal, the head of the parents association, and one or more community leaders (clergy people, town board reps, aldermen, etc.).
The next thing to do is to identify a date for the event. Make sure that you allow plenty of lead time so "long-distance" grandparents can make arrangements to attend.
Next, have the principal notify the teachers about the event and encourage them to discuss it with their students to plan how they can incorporate the event into their classes. An event brainstorming session will get the creative juices flowing!
Children can invite their grandparents and ask them to teach, share experiences, tell stories, show off their talents, etc. Have the principal and PTA write to all of the students' families explaining the event and inviting their grandparents to participate. List activities (music, singing, storytelling, etc.) that grandparents might perform and ask grandparents to sign up for each activity.
A great way to get the enthusiasm level up: plan a "kick-off dinner" on the evening before the big event, and invite participating grandparents and administrative people, as well as one or more entertainers and members of the local media.
Once the day arrives, the schedule should be simple: For example, grandparents can attend morning classes with their grandchildren, then the afternoon can be devoted to a school-wide assembly, some outdoor games and a barbecue. You might even want to throw in an evening event like a square dance!
In the classroom, teachers should devote the time to discussions with the grandparents. Grandparents can offer different perspectives on history lessons, or describe how they used to solve math problems. The kids can videotape their grandparents and discuss what they learned in later classes.
The most important thing to remember: the day should be a special occasion, so instruct everyone to have a good time!
