Comments on: Reflections of a New Grandma

By: Cheryl Griffin

Cheryl Griffin — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:03:32 +0000

Jane as you know we have a daughter, son-in-law and grands in the Dallas area as well. I remember even “before” our daughter was even pregnant, walking in their neighborhood and seeing parents and grandparents watching their little sons & grandsons playing t-ball. I had tears roll down below my sunglasses as I realized “some day” this will be the scene but we won’t be the grandparents at all their games. I always thought, always planned, always looked forward to the day that we would go to our grandkids sports events, or dance recitals, or school programs, just like my parents did for our kids. Although this will always be my heart’s desire, somehow in God’s goodness he has allowed that pain and sadness and concern to not be overpowering in the scheme of it all. I am blessed to have a grand-daughter in town now and am so grateful for this & what that allows for precious time and involvement, yet let me encourage you Jane (& Scott) that even years before, God was working it out in my (our) heart(s) and my mind and our lives and our roles. He will do the same for you my dear friend(s). I relate to every single thing you wrote and it took me back to those days for me(us). Be encouraged. Keep looking to God to guide, direct, reveal, and encourage! Love you guys and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!

By: Lynn Van Raaphorst

Lynn Van Raaphorst — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 02:31:00 +0000

I can totally relate to the long distance grandmothers. I am one too. My two sons are both married and have three children each, 300 plus miles away from my husband and I. We are thankful we can drive to see them, though. Growing up my grandparents lived in the same town as I did and my grandmother was instrumental in my faith formation. I have had so many emotions over the years and have missed my children and grandchildren so much. I am learning to use many creative ways to share my faith and enjoy every time we are together. My sons live near their wives’ families and the mother in law, daughter in law relationship is unique. I never saw it modeled as my paternal grandparents died when I was young. But the key is to be thankful for the opportunities God has given to you with your grandchildren. You have to learn to let go and support the parents of your grandchildren and make the most of the opportunities you have together.

By: Holly Hoffart

Holly Hoffart — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 01:50:53 +0000

Thank you, Jane, for your public comments. I believe you have helped many, as i can relate to what you share. We live over a 1,000 miles from our 3 grandchildren and 2 children. Emotions are so hard sometimes. It has helped me to think of missionary friends who have been further away from their kids for many years too.
Thank you for your words – ‘Yet in the midst of all the joy, I have experienced some “unexpected” emotions – unexpected sadness, insecurity, and uncertainty.’
‘As I keep my relationship with Him a priority, I will be able to be the mom, and now grandma, He wants me to be.’

yes we do have God given roles to influence our grandchildren even miles apart. Knowing so many others struggle with the changes & distances helps. Thank you Jane.

By: Carey

Carey — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 22:11:29 +0000

In being a grandparent for the past seventeen years I have experienced many joys and many sorrows. We have much influence but ultimately it is the parents who make our grandchildren’s decisions and they are often quite different than we would choose. We cover them in prayer and try not to become overburdened with their trials.

By: Legacy Coalition Blog Team

Legacy Coalition Blog Team — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 22:10:36 +0000

In reply to Mary Rawlings. Do not forget to sign up for our free webinars, each Monday night. Go to legacycoalition.com/grand-monday-nights to sign up. Also we have a free monthly newsletter.

By: Linda Johnson

Linda Johnson — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 20:56:17 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing your precious thoughts with me.
I appreciated your honesty and the beauty of what you said.

By: Mary Rawlings

Mary Rawlings — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 20:42:45 +0000

I am a new grandma, and long distance, and your words really spoke to me. (Tears flowing). Thank-you for writing this post. I have just signed up to get more information. So glad I found this site.

By: barbara hill

barbara hill — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 20:03:59 +0000

Jane, what a wonderful testimony! So authentic and passionate. Will be an encouragement to many first-time
grandparents!!

By: Char D

Char D — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 19:50:30 +0000

This is exactly the emotions I have felt in addition to being the mother-in-law to my son’s wife. We know it is expected that a daughter will turn to her mom first and that is natural and normal. But unexpected emotions of that an also the ones you shared make it imperative that we are secure in our identity in Christ so that we handle them in a mature, Christ-like manner. Thank you for these reminders.

By: Jennifer Janes

Jennifer Janes — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 19:46:08 +0000

I appreciate this post. My husband and I made it to “grand” status almost 4 years ago by our oldest son and adding a second granddaughter last year. When they were expecting their first, I was sort of “told” how awesome it would be and feel. I have since learned how very personal those feelings are–we aren’t all the same.
I am still a mom. My oldest has been married for over 5 years, but I also have 5 teenagers still living at home, as well as our grand finale’…our 7 year old daughter. I am very much still “momming!”
The entrance of our precious Elloise, my son’s first-born, felt nothing like I was told I would feel; I was beginning to think something was wrong with me. I couldn’t respond to others’ excitement in the way that seemed to be the expected response to her arrival–I felt like I had a big ol’ “L” on my forehead.
It took a while but I realized that I am not in the same empty-nest season as most of my peers. So, it’s definitely different. And I hope all those reading your post are encouraged that all the thoughts and feelings we may work through do not make us any less grateful for our grands. 🙂