The most important part of living the dream

If you know me at all, you know how important family is to me. It's with much love and gratitude that I hold my husband George, my amazing daughters, their spouses and my extended family members close in my heart. I include all those who are part of the circle of love whether or not there is a legal tie. And the circle is expanding...

My heart is overflowing waiting for the birth of my first grandbaby due in early January. I could never imagine what this would be like. I would listen to friends speaking about their grandchildren, see their eyes sparkle and their soft smiles, sometimes wild laughs and occasionally tears as they told me their stories. Welcoming the next generation into our own families - what could be better than that?





Kate 

I never knew a grandmother of my own, but when I was 29 my former husband's grandmother came to live with us. And what a blessing that was - the sun was always shining in Grandma Keefe's heart. Kate was three years old and Christine was about to be born. I never heard Grandma say a bad word about anyone, unless it was the opposing team of the Syracuse basketball team - "her boys" as she called them. She loved the kids, her great grandchildren and left us with beautiful memories.

My mother was known to my children as Gram and my former husband's mom was known as Nana. Nana was an amazing woman, someone I will always love and aspire to be like when I'm a Nana. She taught me much, loved us all so wildly and made family get togethers so special whether it was just chatting over a cup of coffee or a holiday extravaganza. The ordinary was extraordinary. I was also blessed to have a loving, energetic and fun Aunt in my life who provided the girls with another Grandmother figure - Aunt Mil. All these women were in my life and my children's lives to love and guide them. They are all gone now, and it's my turn to be grandmother.

I wonder how I will fill these very large shoes, be the kind of grandmother who will help bring out the best in my own grandchildren. What an incredible opportunity and privilege. I'm awaiting the birth of Kate's baby to show me the way, to fill my heart with her own special brand of love. And I have to say, I am enjoying every anticipatory moment and can't wait to meet the little one.