I'm having a bit of an identity crisis.
For over 22 years, I've been "Mom." I'm cool with that. I've kinda got this gig figured out.
But now, I'm someone new. I'm a grandmother. You know her, she's the old lady in the rocking chair, the one who only gets up to bake chocolate chip cookies.
Just kidding. I know that today's grandmothers are much hipper than that. When my own mom became a grandmother, at the age of 57, she had a full time professional job. She wore stylish clothes and earrings to work every day. She had two college graduates for children. She only baked cookies at Christmas.
As for me, the new grandmother?
I'm just not sure how to roll here.
How do you describe a grandmother like me? I'm not quite 57 (only 44, in fact.) And I don't bake cookies. Ever.
I've got two college grad children. But I've still got children at home, including two boys under the age of 10.
I've coined a name to describe my condition: I'm a "grandmom." I'm a grandma, yes, but I'm still totally in "Mom" mode.
I haven't mentioned that I'm got a few other roles as well. My husband might say he thinks I've forgotten him, but I am a wife, too. And I'm also a busy daughter to elderly parents.
I want to claim the maturity and wisdom that goes with the grandmother moniker, but I'm not quite ready to let go of being the young mom that I feel like. And when I spend time with my folks, well, then I feel like I'm 12 again.
So I'm in one of those "transition periods." I know where I've been, but I'm not quite sure where I'm going.
The good news is, I won't be lonely on the trip there. I've got plenty of companions on my journey. I just hope someone has remembered the diaper bag and has packed lots of snacks.
Any other "grandmoms" out there? How have you kept it all in balance?
7 comments:
Oh my what a wonderful ride you are on.
Tips?
Not from me.
Just enjoy it.
My mom became a Grandmom at 44 as well. I was the little one still at home. If she were still here today, she would tell you to enjoy every moment! She loved being a Nana, and from Heaven, I am sure she still does! Congratulations!
oh kiss that baby girls head a ton!
Just a Mom here . . . but what a wonderful photo.
Everyone looks so happy.
Enjoy this new path in life.
Wow. I am almost three years older than you. I can't imagine being a grandmother but it sounds like you are going at it the right way!
I just want to know who opened my closet door.
I think the crisis with age vs. moniker is a cultural one.
For my part, I'm pretty sure Grandmahood is the payoff for Motherhood. It's the chocolate syrup at the bottom of the bowl, and you get it right about the time you think that maybe you don't even need ice cream anymore...
But that's just me. I'm in the throes of life with little ones, so the grass on your side of the fence looks bright and green. :)
Congratulations and ENJOY IT, whatever you call yourself! :)
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