People
Joy of Being Grandma
by ARVINDER KAUR
Life always springs
pleasant and unpleasant surprises on us.
Recently, my life was flooded with an onrush of love that is innocent.
It
happened when the doctor placed you, Ronny, my grandson in my arms.
Yes, I want you to know that you have brought immense joy and
freshness to a life that had almost settled into a drab routine. Your
granny
finds you an amazing bundle of joy. Welcome, dear little man to the
world of my
heart!
Perhaps you may find me a little different from the image of a
traditional grandmother. My friends have named me the new-age grandma
who has
switched from knitting in an armchair to sweating it out on a cross
trainer.
Yes, I do not look old and hit the treadmill everyday. I may not
have the proverbial ‘grandma recipes' but, believe me, the image
makeover does not mean a change of heart. You've taught me to look at
life
anew, once again.
My work takes me away from home often. The last time I
went, you were still learning how to balance. I was ecstatic when on my
return
you came towards the gate walking all by yourself. I love it when you
sit on my
desk and try to reach out for the mouse. As you grow up, you will find a
companion in me. You are my chance to relive my childhood, to try
skydiving and
bungee jumping, almost everything that I missed out on. Your arrival has
added a
fascinating dimension to life.
I must confess, I agree with the author Lois
Wyse when she said that "a mother becomes a grandmother
the
day she stops noticing the terrible things her children do because she
is so
enchanted with the wonderful things her grandchildren do".
This is so true, Ronny. You have me enchanted. Since the time you
have arrived I have lived through a gamut of feelings. There is this
dichotomy.
On one hand, I can't wait to see you grow and on the other I want you
to
remain my little Ronny. Growing up is going to involve so many issues in
your
life that there would be no time for your grandma. This does not mean
that I
would not be happy for you. Rather, I wish to see you explore and live
your life
to the fullest.
But meanwhile, it is so satisfying to know how much
you love me I can feel it in your little hugs. You're teaching me how to
be gentle. I love the expression on your face when we watch ‘Old
MacDonald
had a farm .....' on You Tube. And when you do your little bhangra jigg
and how you enjoy being my ballroom dance partner. You so perfectly
imitate your
grandpa while he is doing his morning exercise.You teach us a lesson in
innocence.
That is why I tell you, Ronny, I wish you would not grow up
fast. Celebrate each nuance of a feeling to the full. I wish you many a
hearty
laughs but don't shy away from tears. The tiny little drops impart a
healing touch to the soul. So shed them whenever you have to. Ronny, you
have
come into a world that is full of noise. But do not forget to lend an
ear to
silence. If words express, silence heals.
It is said that a
grandmother's love comes straight from the heart. I was amused when I
came
across a saying, "Your grandma and your dog will always love you no
matter
what you do." Don't waste so much time on Facebook as your granny
does. Sometimes, when you've grown up, recall the good times that we had
together - for life is going to be tough ... but I know, you, my boy, shall
be
tougher!
[Courtesy: Times of India]
May 30, 2010
Conversation about this article
1: Sangat Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), May 31, 2010, 3:33 PM.
Might I add Grandpa as being gender friendly, and being mutually exclusive in the crime plot to utterly spoil the grandchildren, nothing short of a murder. The little brat also knew how to beguile and get away with impunity. 'Pita kirpal aagia eh deene/ barik mukh maangai so daynaa [GGS:1266.15] - 'My Merciful Father has issued this Command, whatever the child asks for, is put in his mouth'. The only exception being coins, they tell him that he had to be careful as it was his own money. My Bhaai-aa ji (Pita ji) spent a year with us in Malaysia in the mid-60s and one day our daughter Vimaljit, then three (now a consultant pediatrician), was about to do a dangerous maneuver and I just raised my voice by a couple of decibels to stop her in the track. Bhaai-aa ji, sitting nearby, quoted: 'Mithat neevee nankaa gun chang-aa-ee-aa tat' [GGS:470.13] - 'Sweetness and humility are the essence of virtue and goodness." I started to laugh and he asked me what was so funny about it. 'Bhaaia- ji," I said, "where was that sweetness when we were growing up. I can still feel the resounding 20-pounder slap that made my ears sing for at least 20 minutes!' "Bas jan day yar hun, you were naughtier than her anyway!" - he still managed to put in his last word. You know why grandmas love their grandchildren so much ... it's because they don't have children of their own.