As a great grandmother, I can dote, fuss over, brag about and rely on seeing an amazing smiley face, from the little boy who has stolen my heart. He calls me GiGi. The name has become quite popular in our current culture. It stands for Great Grandma. For a few of his early months of living, I was a part-time caregiver for this little man. During those months, I got to hold him, feed him, cuddle him, change dirty diapers, sing to him, talk to him and be his Gigi. As he began to grow and become more active, Gigi grew older and less active, so those special bonding times became less and eventually had to be ended.

Occasionally, I am called on to care for him for shorter periods of time. I can barely lift him anymore, but most of the time now is spent chasing, protecting, running with and after him. He is a busy child but never leaves my heart empty. Yesterday, was one of those times when I was called on. The Gigi adventures have certainly intensified, but I’m learning as much as he is in this stage of his development. Words are coming fast and furious. He is aware of what things are used for and how they work. His interest and attention span quickly change. His nap times are growing shorter or non-existent. He runs instead of walking. Gigi tries to comply, but more often than not, she gives up.

I am the one who benefits from these less called on opportunities. Physically, I know my limits, and chasing an eighteen-month-old is one that I must give in to. When I think of those brave and aging women of the Bible who had babies when they were well-advanced in years, I wonder how they did it. I guess if God gives you gift when life had been barren for so long, you might laugh at His sense of humor and thank Him for it.

I am a mother, grandmother and a great mother (Gigi.) I have experienced the joy of the generation gap for quite some time now. I thank God for giving me this extra time on earth to spend with these wonderful humans.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR LIFE – YOUNG & OLD!