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”

  8. Oh my goodness! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I just experienced this for the first time two months ago. It is so incredibly wonderful! I am sharing your post because your words from the heart echo mine so closely. Congratulations on this next chapter in your life. 🙂

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  10. That’s such wonderful news for everyone Ann. Congratulations! What a beautiful and blessed way to start a new year and the newest chapter in your life/book. Love and warmest wishes to all. Enjoy the adventure. I have a feeling you are going to be a very special and much loved grandma. ❤️

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  11. Congratulations! One of the big secrets, at least in my opinion, is that while we say we love our children unconditionally, it isn’t really so. We love them to the nth degree, but I guess we are too close to the situation. Did we do all right? Could we have done better? Are they happy? Are their problems our fault?

    But grandchildren we love unconditionally. The other night, one of my grandson’s said to me “You aren’t like the stereotypical grandmother who knits ugly sweaters. You’re really cool.” I laughed out loud, knowing it was blatant bribery. Of course, he really wanted me to take him to the mall, out to dinner and to spend the night watching The Walking Dead. He had me on “stereotypical.”

    I wonder what he thinks of my knitted scarves? May your journey with your grandson be so filled. ❤

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