I learned with great happiness that I was going to be a first-time grandma over three years ago. But then I got nervous. I was no ordinary grandma. How would I do it with a chronic illness? Surrounded by “assistive devices” like a walker, scooter, cane and leg brace, it was going to be tricky, challenging and downright awkward… maybe.
There are many kinds of grandparents out there and a myriad of ways to get to know our grandkids. What if you live far away? We have choices like never before. Phone calls, Skype, FaceTime, videos, texts, email, snail mail and more. Even though I live in the same city as my grandson, I occasionally send him a photo or short video clip of some activity he might like. This age of technology is keeping us close.
My “unusual” style began the day after he was born. I sat comfortably in a chair while this little bundle of joy was brought to me. I was grinning ear-to-ear looking down at this baby, and suddenly I knew it would be all right. It was going to be a bit like being a first-time mom, learning and adapting along the way. My grown children wanted me in their child’s life. Yes, there were times when I wished I could scoop him up and walk around like everybody else, and felt sorry for myself because I would never get to hold his little hand and walk beside him. Little did I know, the fun was soon to begin.
At about nine months old, he had the strength, dexterity and willingness to sit in my walker basket and be pushed around. I marched him down the halls of my condo, knocking on doors and introducing him to my friends. People in my 55-plus building loved seeing him, and his parents got a short break to sit and relax. When he got bigger, the walker seat worked just as well, backward or forward facing. We checked out the Halloween decorations on residents’ doors, pictures on the walls and Christmas décor in December. His curiosity was boundless as he began talking and naming things.
My favourite memory is from last summer. My son-in-law and grandson met me at Mr. Tubs for ice cream. I saw this place from new eyes, that of a child, as the one-and-a-half-year-old watched in fascination at all the activity: a games room, plenty of interactive play and excited kids. Beside the shop, there was a busy construction site with backhoes, dump trucks and a giant crane. My grandson’s eyes lit up as we went out the door, action surrounding us. I was on my scooter, and we meandered over to Hampton Park to find the kid’s playground. On the way back, to the thrill of this grandma, Benny rode on my scooter with me, first in my lap and then standing up.
Now I send him short video clips of construction equipment in action. He is two-and-a-half, and the first time I heard “Hi Grandma” it was another thrill. The connection is there, as strong as a heartbeat.
I have plenty of treasured memories with this little guy and can’t wait for his baby brother to be born. I’m so grateful for my family, and that my kids have made it possible for me to be the best grandma I can be. Don’t be shy, there’s always a work-around for every situation.
