The 23rd Day of Thanksgiving: Being Nana

Do you know what I consider to be the perfect Saturday? Spending it with my grandkids. That’s what I did last Saturday with Belle and Noah: I picked them up and was welcomed by hugs, kisses, and a chorus of “Hi, Nana!”

We loaded into the car and planned to head to the mall. The car ride is my opportunity to expose them to classical music—and hopefully create a calm environment that will keep them from smacking each other or rough housing in the back seat! Last week, I felt terrifically successful because they sat quietly and listened to the music… for a little while, until Noah wanted to tell me an important story. Noah proceeded to tell me how he and his new little friend Jackson got in big trouble because they decided keep playing outside for a half an hour after the recess bell rang. They were just playing, what’s the big deal?

“Nana,” he said. “I didn’t like sitting in the principal’s office, I was scared.” Ah-ha! Now was the perfect opportunity to talk about actions and consequences. Noah is a very intelligent little boy and we enjoyed a little banter in this all-important conversation.

Belle just watched with her big blue eyes. She gave me the look. You know, the “is-Noah-in-trouble?” look. She then smiled and said, “I didn’t get in trouble! Because I’m a good girl!” I love this child.
Noah, Belle, and I had an incredible day. We shopped, ate lunch with an elderly woman who we had just met who was all by herself, played on all the sports equipment, and sang all the children’s songs that I had on my iPod.

When we arrived home, I turned them loose in my backyard and headed for my computer. I was listening to “Carmen” the opera when they came into my office and did an impromptu dance to the music. When they heard the Ba-dam-pam-pam they laughed like I never heard them laugh before. I had to laugh with them. Talk about music to my ears! What a wonderful day we had.

Being Nana suits me well—it’s like being a mother again, with all the love, but with something extra, the added benefit of years of wisdom and patience. I am grateful that this life’s plan includes being a mother and evermore being Nana.