After babysitting for four of my grandchildren, my daughter-in-law shared that when she stayed with one of her grandmas, she was always given treats. She called that grandma the 'candy grandma'. My older granddaughter got the giggles and said that I would be that grandma because I always had candy and treats for them.
We laughed about it, but after they left, I decided I didn't like the idea of the 'candy grandma'. That is not what I want to be known as. I want to be so much more. But yes, I will always have candy and treats for my grandchildren.
My dad always had tootsie rolls and gum in his pockets for my children. He occasionally brought donuts in the mornings. He would play heads and tails with a quarter and my kids always won the quarter. He made memories with them. He also gardened with them and taught them you could laugh as you worked.
My grandma let me drink hot tea with her and I still drink it to this day. I never learned to drink coffee. My grandchildren drink hot tea in the mornings in special small cups when they are here for breakfast. We even have sugar cubes! They drink iced tea all day long because we have it.
I cook with some of my grandchildren or I cook special meals and treats for them. Some of them like to sew with me. I read to them, always a Bible story before bed. I try to listen to them, no matter what they have to say. We pray together, too.
Their two aunties play games with them, blow bubbles, swing, go for walks, and do crafts with them. Their grandpa gives rides on the four-wheeler or tractor. We do bonfires and roast marshmallows. We try to give them memories and the freedom to do different things than at home.
I want our home to be a fun place, a safe place, a place where they know they are loved unconditionally. They have a place to sleep. They have special blankets and more. I want them to be comfortable here with us. I want them to know they can always come to us.
I don't want to be the candy grandma. I want to be the grandma who they knew loved them, cherished them and cared for them. I want them to know Jesus' love through me. I want them to know they are my joy!
