Just Like Grandma

Growing up, I always felt a special connection to my maternal grandmother, Maxine. Out of over 30 grandchildren, I was the only one named after her! I thought that was the greatest thing ever, and still do. As I've gotten older, I've realized I have a lot more than my grandmother's name as my middle name, but I have a lot of things in my life that are similar to her. We both love to knit and crochet, and do it to keep our hands busy during a movie. In talking to her on the phone last week, she told me she made hundreds of sweaters for her grandchildren. She asked if I knew why. Her answer, because she loved us. She also told me about her Grandma and how she loved to knit lace. So this whole knitting thing goes back a ways, but for me I will always think of my grandma's sweaters, doilies, snowflakes, etc... when I am working on a project.

Another similarity we have is lots of kids close together. My grandmother had seven children, and I only have four, but she had them fast and so have I. My granddad told me that when asked how far apart two of his daughters were he answered, "Nine months and one hour!" That was his way of assuring me that it doesn't matter how close my kids are. That is between me, my husband, and my Heavenly Father.

I love talking to Grandma about my kids because she understands everything I am going through. She can laugh at the stories of W playing in the toilet, but also sympathise when I haven't had contact with another adult, besides my husband of course, for days. She is always willing to be a listening ear when I just need to call and talk while someone listens.

The third similarity, that I love, is our hazel eyes. I think that it is more than a coincidence that I am named after Grandma and have her hazel eyes. Maybe it is a silly connection, but I love it! And better than that, Baby B's middle name is Maxine as well, and she is my only kid with hazel eyes.

When B was born, I called Grandma to tell her. She was so excited! Every time she talks about B, she uses B's middle name along with her first. I later found out that Grandma walked back to breakfast at the assisted living home, where she had just finished up, to announce the B Maxine was born. I can't think of a better woman to have B and myself try to emmulate in our lives. I am thankful my name is a contant reminder to live the kind of life Grandma has lived. She is a great lady, and I hope, one day, tht can be said about me as well.

Grandma, B (about 1 week old), and me