Happy Mother's Day

[Julestie]

Happy Mother's Day to all of you other Grandmas!

We are a different breed of moms. For the most part, we've raised our children and we were ready (or getting ready) to start enjoying our lives post-diapers, post-pediatricians, post-grade school issues, post-curfews, etc. However, life threw us a curve ball, and here we are now back in the thick off raising children.

Today, I'm in a melancholy mood. My own mother passed away last year. How I wish she were still around so I could spend the day with her and tell her again how much I love her.

As for my own children, I got the obligatory Mother's Day call from my daughter and I imagine my son will come by later today with a card. That will be the extent of their acknowledgment of this day to honor moms.

Then there's my granddaughter. She's severely disabled and doesn't have a clue that today is Mother's Day. Besides, she doesn't know what a mother is. I'm Grandma, but she has no understanding of what that means. Lately, I'm not sure myself. I do all the things her mother should be doing.... but, I'm not her mom. Where do I fit in?

Still, I am very grateful to have my granddaughter. She gives me more joy and purpose than I ever imagined possible. My love for her is immeasurable and I can't imagine my life without her. Others can't understand that. They can't see how a child as medically challenged and developmentally delayed can bring me so much happiness. They don't understand that I love this child every bit as much (if not a tad bit more) than I love my own children. I hope you all understand. Being the grandma who is mothering her grandchild is sometimes a very isolating experience. Some days are very long and lonely. Today, Mother's Day, is one of those days.

Yet, we are moms. We are doing the work that we've done before. We are GRAND mothers. So, Happy Mother's Day to all of us!

Julie