The Magic of Grandma..

My mom has this ability to calm. It’s a gift that she’s had as long as I can remember
She knows exactly when, how and what to do to calm, soothe, or take away even the most stubborn problem or complaint. All my life she’s been the united nations of all situations. Always able to quiet and re-direct things gone awry. She knows what to say at the precise moment you need to hear it. She knows when to show up when you wish she was there. Just sitting next to her growing up was soothing. Our friends growing up thought so too. We liked to hang out with Mom. She was safe, and open, and never judgmental. Everyone loved her. Especially me. She always gave me strength.
I was young when I had Ali. (Just 22). I didn’t have much support, and I was often tired from a busy schedule of work, school and raising a toddler. She always knew when I needed to sit and talk. Ali was always thrilled to go with Grandma, and I was grateful. Mom knew when to call, and she knew what to say even if I hadn’t said a word. Magic?. Or Inspiration?
Megan spent the first three months of her life with colic. She would scream and grunt and cry for hours. I spent my days alternating walking the carpet thin and nursing her every hour. All while trying to meet the demands of my energetic 3 year old, working full time, going to school, and buying a new house. I spent a lot of time at Mom’s house then. It was a place of refuge. I didn’t trust anyone else with Megan while she was colic. I was afraid that they might not have the patients for her constant crying. I knew I could go and be relieved from my howling baby by someone who without a second thought could take her from my arms and know exactly how to soothe and calm her. She had the Magic touch. .. Grandma was always safe, she was my hero. She always knew how to give Ali that special attention that I worried she was missing with a demanding baby too. Mom picked up where I needed a lift.
I bring this up because it happened again the other night.. Again, she inspired me with her ability to know when to jump in. Her ability to soothe and calm even the most ornery of beings. Yes, My Mathew. Lately he’s been such a bear. He either has the worst attachment issues I’ve ever seen or he’s the most spoiled 1 year old I’ve ever raised. At certain times of the day he demands to be held for long periods of time, nothing else will suffice. And when I can’t hold him (because you know, I have to be a Mom to my other two, and clean the house, among other things…..)He hangs on my pant legs wailing until he’s picked up again. And trust me, he doesn’t back down. He went for 20 minutes straight while I tried to get the kids ready for school. It was very unnerving.
He also freaks out when anyone new comes around. Even if he is playing nicely he’ll run crying to Anthony or I and practically climbing up our legs plead “hold you, Hold you”. He doesn’t go to too many other people willingly.
We went to my parent’s house for Megan’s birthday and Mathew had been particularly stubborn in his needing to be held all day.. My mom could tell I was exhausted. I needed a break but didn’t want to burden anyone else with his crying. Without a second thought she took him from my arms, screaming, and walked outside with him. When I peeked a few minutes later, I saw that Grandma’s magic had worked again. I sat able to eat my dinner in peace for 15 whole minutes. He was calm. He was happy. She had done it again.
She has a magic soul. Call it a gift, I call it a purpose.. She is a healer, a comforter. She does it beautifully She is amazing. I love her so much, and I know that my kids are especially attached to her. We are so lucky to have her in our lives. She gives us strength. She inspires us, and makes us laugh. I dont' know what I would do without such a strong woman in my life.
Everyone should be so lucky as to have the Magic touch of grandma.


Added to note:
Tonight, Mom showed up at my door.
“You said that when you’re stressed you like to bake?” And As I stood confused she
brought in with her a giant bag of Sugar, Flour, chocolate chips, oatmeal, raisins, eggs, and shortening!
This is my Mom. Knowing exactly what I needed.

Magic!