A New Chapter

/ Ann Coleman

Life is often called a journey, and I think that is true.  But I’m an avid reader and also a writer, which means that when I think of my life, I tend to picture it more as a book.  Just like life, books have definite beginnings and endings.  The interesting part is what happens in between and the story is usually divided into specific chapters.  My life’s “chapters” are the highlights of my story, such as graduation, marriage, my first job, the birth of my children, etc.  And now I am beginning yet another chapter, because two days ago my daughter gave birth to her first child and I became a grandparent.

04-RWAR-26Many of my friends already have grandchildren, and they did their best to tell me just how special it is.  And I believed them, I really did.  But I still totally unprepared for the absolute joy and wonder I felt when I first saw my brand-new grandson.  He seemed like nothing less than a tiny little miracle.  And just as I did with my own newborn babies all those years ago, I fell in love with him, immediately and absolutely.

He’s not even a week old yet, so the role of grandparent is still new to me and I don’t really quite know what to expect.  I hope he will always know how much I love him and that he can always count on me.  I want to be the sort of grandmother who enriches his life, and maybe gets the chance to spoil him, just a little bit.  I’ve heard that what grandparents are supposed to do.

I see so much of my daughter in him already, and when I look at my son-in-law, I have no doubt that my grandson is blessed with a wonderful father and role model.   I hope they both know I’m always ready to offer my support as they adjust to parenthood, with all of its joys and all of its demands.  I know they are going to be terrific parents.

I’m not exactly sure what this next chapter of my life will bring.  But I have to tell you, I can’t wait to find out….

124 thoughts on “A New Chapter”

  11. OOOOOOOH Ann!!! Even though I knew it was coming…. I have goosebumps on my entire body reading this and recalling the JOY that there is no word to describe when you have your first grandchild. I am so so so so happy and excited for you!!!!! Cannot wait to hear more. CHERISH these moments! My granddaughter is over a year old already and she is going to be a big sister in June!!!!!! ❤ Congratulations sweet Grandma! Tight grandma hugs!

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  12. Congratulations! I understand your joy 100%. We were equally thrilled when our first grandchild was born 18 years ago. Now I heard it said and I think it is true that the only people who are allowed to spoil children are the grandparents.

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  22. Congrats Ann. You are already a terrific grandma. Your words speak it all. May this new chapter in your life bring a lot of joy.
    A new born is nothing short of a miracle. The perfectly crafted body and the right engineering inside. The love, the hope and the joy that they bring along… It’s truly an amazing moment. Thanks for sharing it with all of us Ann.

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  27. Congratulations to all, so happy for your family! You will be amazing grandparents and what a blessing that you are close by. Enjoy every moment. Love to all!🌺

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  31. Oh! It’s happened!! YAY!!! Congratulations to you all, but especially to you as grandmother, Ann. Being a grandparent leaves one almost wordless in joy, doesn’t it? 🙂

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  39. I had four wonderful grandparents, and without them I would never be the person that I am now. From my experience, grandparents are those people who will always love you unconditionally – without having the responsibility of raising you in any particular way, which makes it easier to accept their love. I am sure you’ll be a great grandparent!

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    • Thank you! I loved my grandparents, too (although I only knew two of them) so I think that is why I really want that relationship with my grandson. I felt that unconditional love from them, and that is so important.

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  43. Congratulations to you & your family! I have a sneaky suspicion this little fellow will exceed every single expectation of what being a grandparent means. Enjoy every single second with this precious little being!

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  44. Congratulations Ann!!! Yeah its a new chapter in your life. A chapter to bear additional responsibilities of delivering a righteous human to the society and world. May God write his name in the righteous people and make him a symbol of peace, love and light for the all humanity!

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  45. The best part of being a grandparent is fielding questions from grandchildren.

    GRANDCHILD: Did they have trains when you were a kid?
    GRANDPA: Yes, they did.
    GRANDMA: And grandpa used to ride them with dinosaurs.

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  50. Congratulations Ann. I’m so pleased for you.
    All my love to you and your grandson.
    And all the very best to your daughter and son in law.
    My little Rainbow is now 9 months old, and the more
    I see him the more I love him.
    You have many many wonderful moments ahead. xx

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thanks, Alan! Mine is not quite two weeks yet, and still I feel the same way you do. The more I see him, the more I love him. Honestly, being a grandparent makes up for all the negatives in aging!!! Take care,
      Ann

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