HAPPY

As you approach Grandma's house your heart starts to beat faster. You know you will get lots of hugs and kisses. There are plenty of surprises in store for you as you walk into the house smelling like chocolate chip cookies. Nanny, Nonni, Grandma, YaYa, Mimi, Nonna, Mawa, Gaga, Mom mom, are just a few of the precious loving names given to the wonderful person in your life. Some children are fortunate to live in the same household with several generations. They all teach valuable lessons. Nonna may read books to you before you go to bed every night. Nanny may help you with your homework. Mimi might teach you how to braid your hair. YaYa could teach you to fish or tie your shoes. 

The wisdom flowing to the children is unable to come from the parents. They have not lived long enough to learn all the lessons life has taught their parents. I grew up with my grandmother living two blocks away and I went to her house for lunch from fourth to eighth grade. She made the best sandwiches with the softest bread and a treat as I walked back to school. All children are not blessed with grandparents who might be in other cities, states or countries. It is funny how children gravitate to older folks sitting in the park or in the library. Age is a factor why children never get to meet their previous generation. 

If you know you are going to Grandma's house for dinner you do not care what is on the menu, it is the person in the kitchen with an apron that brightens your day. Many women are raising their grandchildren do to separation with the military, issues with work parameters, abandonment of the parent or adoption. Some children in foster care do not know what the word Grandmother signifies. This is also inclusive of the Grandfather who may be in the picture.

How do Grandmother's know so much and why do they have different opinions than the parents? The different life experiences create tension or views that don't always match. Who is right and who is wrong? Having a variety of opinions can create food for thought on any topic. It is like looking at the world through ski goggles or a pair of Nike sunglasses. 

Keep your eyes open!

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