I have just discovered the full blessing of blogging. I started this particular blog for one reason. That reason has changed since I started it, but it is a better reason for me now.

This was my very first blogging ‘attempt’. I found it to be a ‘freeing’ experience. A chance to pour out part of my heart and soul that I normally would not do face to face with anyone in particular. It means getting a chance to express feelings, memories, etc. To put a voice to things you want to say, but never get the chance.

But today – well, my niece has started blogging. We have connected through our blogs. By sharing our blogs, we can get to know each other. You see, I have been physically several states away from her since she was very young. When she was small, we were great friends. Unfortunately, the last meeting her mother and I had before I left my home town for the last time we had a serious disagreement. While it was not a fight, we both said things that hurt the other. Her mother did not want me to have any contact with my niece or two nephews. My brother and I had sparce contact over the phone. 13 years later – the year my niece graduated from high school, I returned to see my mother. My sister-in-law and I met for lunch. We had a heart to heart talk and bridged the gap of many years, making up so to speak. But it was not a close relationship as our lives had parted those many years before.

Back to my niece. She is a wonderful person, a marvelous mother, and I am sure as close to the perfect wife as one can be. I am very honored to be one of her family. She has faced and was victorious over many many obstacles in her life. She is wise beyond her years. I hope every one who reads this blog has someone like her in their lives.

I wonder where time goes? It has been almost a month since I have written anything here. If anyone every tells you that your time is your own after your kids are up and gone – don’t believe them.

I am extremely fortunate to have my grandchildren all within 15 miles of me. Some of my friends are half a continent away from theirs. I have one set of boys every other weekend and I help my daughter with hers all the time. Some of my well meaning friends tell me to stand up for myself – that I shouldn’t have to babysit, taxi, etc. I just know one thing. My grand-kids will only be this age once. If you want to have a lasting relationship with them, you have to form it while they are small. I never want to look back on this time and realize that I did not use the opportunity to be part of their lives.

Kids are so amusing to watch. They are absorbed in their own little world that revolves around them. Listening to them explain the facts — to hear the logic with which they explain things is amazing. My 9 year old grand-daughter has an explanation for everything – and some of them are right on. Others – well, as she matures she will learn. You can’t expect a fourth grader to know everything.

And to watch my 3 1/2 year old grand daughter mother her brother (2) and her cousin (1) is heart warming. How such a little one can show so much proper care . . I guess she learns that from her mother. She has sparkling green eyes – and a smile that consumes her whole body. The best thing is, she loves to go to Grandma’s house. It feels sooo good to have little ones think you are great.

Each child is so unique. Each child is special. I treasure this time. I hope I will get to enjoy great-grand children also. But not for a while. My oldest grandson is 12. By the time he starts having children, my youngest grandson should be 12. So there will be some years without babies and pre-schoolers who have so much magic.

Guess you could say that I am a Granny and Proud of It.