How Can It Be That I Am Now The Grandma?

 

The Christmas season has passed for another year and as I reflect on the Holiday gatherings, I am amazed at the passage of time and the passing down of traditions. My husband and I hosted our family on Christmas day for a big turkey dinner. As I was browning the butter to pour over the saffron-soaked Kluski noodles, and making the gravy just like my mother-in-law taught me how to do, I stood there in amazement, thinking, how did I get to be the grandma? How can it be that I am the one doing all this stuff? I still feel 40 (most times) in my mind. Time has passed so quickly and now I am the one who is doing everything that my grandma, my mom, and my mother-in-law used to do. I am the one buying all the gifts and setting a pretty table that is stretched out as far as it will go. It’s my house that holds the smells of grandma’s cooking and the squeals of overly excited children. I am the one who is now making memories for future generations; memories they will talk about for years to come.

As I write this my eyes fill with tears, as I think about generations past and the precious memories that I have of previous Christmases. I am reminiscing on fun times with huge family gatherings, delicious food, and so much love shared. That love may not have always been communicated with words, but it was a love that was tangible in other ways. The hours and days that were spent preparing for the festivities was one-way love was communicated. I am blessed to have happy memories of holiday fun and frivolity because I know that not everyone can say the same.

My grandparents have been gone for many years and my parents are both gone from this life as well, but their memories live on. The traditions, recipes, love, and laughter are a legacy that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Since I am now the grandma (sigh) I am thinking more and more about the legacy I will leave to my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I don’t want to just hand down pretty dishes, collections, or properties. I want to leave a legacy of time shared together, deep discussions around a campfire, praying together, fun vacations, baking cookies together, and drinking coffee on the front porch of the cabin, just to name a few.

I am learning to own up to being the grandma, accept that time moves on, and graciously embrace the aging process. I will joyfully brown the butter and make the gravy because it’s a labor of love, and it's leaving a legacy.