Mother/Grandmother

I'm up early this morning (5:45 a.m.). There were things on my mind I wanted to remember today when "Pops" and I go to Macon to assist Helen with our new granddaughter, Hartley Burgin Strange, who was born this past weekend. I stayed up late last night cooking food to take for the freezer— chicken and rice, roast, squash casseroles, scalloped eggplant, and peach cobbler. I'll finish with peas and creamed corn when we get to Macon.

The cooking brings back memories of our sons' births. It seemed they all came when vegetables were in season and things were the busiest (of course, it would have seemed that way regardless of the birth month). I always scurried to get cooked food in the freezer before going to the hospital.

This activity also gave me reason to ponder the question, do I feel more like a mother or a grandmother? I'm not sure I've made the transition. I think this is the season where I should relax and pop popcorn and watch movies with the grandchildren, but I still feel the weight of responsibility when a new baby comes into the family. I remember the lack of time to get things done, and the fatigue that demotivates a new mom. I also recall the persistent demand of the existing siblings.

My transition from mom to grandmother was further underscored this past week when I changed our son's bedroom at our house from "his" to "theirs." This meant I took away the hunting/camping/college/boy-toys and replaced them with red twin beds, "Hungry Caterpillar" sheets, and stuffed animals. His reaction to the picture of my accomplishment was classic: "You did what to my room!?" Forget the fact he's a grown man, married for nine years! He still has his boy-place at Mom's house. As I pulled out stuff and re-lived memories, I have to admit, he still has a boy-place in my heart as well.

Making the transition from mom to grandmother is still a struggle for me. It means my role is changing. I'm learning to embrace the changes instead of trying to function in the role of responsibility I've always known. Today we're going to Macon to welcome our newest grandchild. I'm going with the intent of playing games and reading books. I know I have a position of influence, and I will reinforce the training of the children, but I can let go of the primary responsibility. Our grandchildren couldn't have better parents. They are being taught and nurtured, and they will become strong men and women of God. The first thing I read this morning reminded me of our blessing:

And this is my covenant with them says the Lord. "My spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and the lips of your children and your children's children forever. I, the Lord, have spoken!" (Isaiah 59:21)

Pops and I have kept the charge we were given, and now it is time to reap the rewards.