How To Handle Becoming A Grandma For The First Time

My first experience becoming a grandma wasn't the best situation.  My first son Tyrone had gone into Job Corps with his girl friend to get a trade.  I really didn't want him to go away from home, but it was an opportunity for him to get training.  So, I agreed.  One day after he had been their for about a few months, I received  a call from him.  He didn't know just how to tell me at first, but eventually he said to me "mom I have something to tell you."  You know how it is when your child says those word.  You begin to freak out before they tell you wants going on.  I was really nervous and prayed that it wasn't something crazy.  After I got him to trust me and promised that I wouldn't be upset, he told me that his girlfriend was pregnant.  WOW,  that hit me so hard, I almost passed out!  I couldn't believe it!  I was lost for word and become so angry all of a sudden.  All sorts of emotions struck me all at once.  I was in denial and then that turned into disappointment.  I thought the worst, really I am just being real.  At that time, he was only around 17 years old.  Boy, I was very heated with him. I didn't know what to do!  I talked with my mother and she was always the one to help me iron out the winkles of life.  You know that God always gives you someone in your life to help you through those rough times; she was my best friend.  Besides that, she was about to be a great-grandmother. :)

A few weeks later they he came home from Job Corps.  By that time, I had somewhat calmed down a little.  I needed those few weeks before he got home to cool off.  I was rationally sane and we talked and cried  together.  Then we had to visit her family and talk things through with them.  Sometimes this part of the equation can be very tough to handle.  Nevertheless, we got through it and survived.  I made sure that my son got a job and took care of his responsibility. 

A few months later, my first granddaughter was about to be born.  My son and I was right there in the delivery room when she was about to come into the world.  Out of all the children that I had, I never realized the miracle of childbirth until I witnessed it with my own eyes.  When I held her for the first time there in the delivery room, and looked at her, I was sold.  She melted my heart like butter.  I was speechless!!  Needless to say, I named her Jasmine Emonee. I thank the good Lord for every toe and finger on her body.  She was beautiful!!!   From that day on, I knew that we were going to be all right.

In conclusion, handling becoming a grandma for the first time comes with many lessons to be learned.  Sometimes our grandchildren don't always come into this world when we want them to, but they come to bring us joy when they arrive.  I never thought about being a grandma but when I became one, it changed my life.  Some people have good experiences when becoming a grandparent but in my case it shook me because I wasn't expecting that surprise.  I figured that I had awhile to go before becoming a grandma.  Whatever situation you fall into when becoming a grandma for the first time, take a moment to relax.  This is new so you are going to feel a little uneasy.  Think of it as a gift that has been given to you.  Everyone loves to receive gifts.  A grandchild is a perfect gift and the greatest gift of all.  Just remember to take a deep breath and be calm.   Be happy to be a grandparent.  Love that bundle of joy just like your own.  He or she is a new generation.  Be joyful knowing that you have the greatest opportunity and that is being a grandma.  Now, I have six grandchildren.  My son Tyrone now has three beautiful daughters, and my daughter Jessica has two beautiful daughters and one handsome son.  My youngest son Jamel is now 24 years old and he has not made me a grandma yet.  I am not rushing him.  :) He can take all the time he needs. I can love on these grands and whenever he has children, I will love on them too! :)

Grandchildren are wonderful little people who grow up to become remarkable individuals.  So nurture them with plenty of loving care, teach them
all that you know that will help them grow to be strong, healthy and smart.