"What in the world are pint size people?"...you probably are asking! Some call them children, others call them kids, while a few (namely me) call them pint size people. I came up with that affectionate reference to those under the age of 12 a few years ago, after I had the privilege of becoming a grandmother to my one and only grandchild, Annica. If you have navigated my site, you have visited Annica's Room. Yes, that adorable little cherub is my lit'l darlin', Annica.
My husband and I raised 4 sons. You have probably figured out by that one statement why I am so wild about my granddaughter! Oh, I cherish each one of my boys! Afterall, I am the strong person I am today, primarily because of them! Any woman who finds herself raising boys, especially in an all male household, will heartily agree with me...boys make a mother a tougher person! I have volumes of memories wrapped up in my 4 sons. Most of those memories are fond ones, with a few scary ones thrown in the mix! I loved becoming a mother and I can now say I am absolutely enamored with my role of being "Grammy"!
I am also tremendously blessed with two charming, wonderful daughter-in-laws! I have one of them to thank for birthing my sweet Annica and both of them to thank for the grandchildren yet to come. Girls, I do want more lit'l darlin's!!!
For the last 6 1/2 years, Annica has been glued to my side. Because my son and daughter-in-law have had ongoing school and/or work commitments, I became Annica's primary caretaker next to her mommy and daddy. I welcomed it with open arms because she was the first little girl in my life! Yes, I did it all, from ribbons, bows and lace to pink, purple and anything that screamed GIRL! Whatever I did and wherever I went, Annica was toted in her infant carrier, pushed in a stroller or carried on my side. We were a twosome! I started my first tea business with Annica sleeping closeby as a newborn. She has remained my constant companion, until only recently. My daughter-in-law joined the Air Force with the hope to complete her nursing career over the next few years. Needless to say, she was recently stationed several states away. For the first time in 6 1/2 years, I am on my own. My trusty box of kleenex is my companion these days, while I am still adjusting to life without Annica. It has been difficult, but good at the same time. Annica and I talk daily. I now have a new relationship emerging with my lit'l darlin'. She is in first grade and a whole new world awaits her, while at the same time a whole new world awaits her Grammy. I have Annica to thank for many things...and one of those is what I have learned about pint size people!
I wonder, at times, if it truly is the seasoning of time and experiences that brings us more in tune and aware to people and events that go on around us as we grow older. Or, could it be something as simple as our interaction with others---like pint size people, that actually reopens our eyes to life? To this Grammy, I found it to be the latter. I discovered life all over again when I siezed the opportunities to hold my precious granddaughter's hand to discover, with her, all the wonders that surround us. Those moments began to remind me of the very things I delighted in as a child and have long forgotten. In the process, I also rediscovered children are simply a pint size version of the rest of us. Whatever we experience, children are capable of experiencing, whether it be joy and hope, sadness or stress, anxiety or peace. Feelings and emotions are as much a part of pint size people as the larger version of mankind. Annica taught me this many times over as she amazed me with her observations, reactions and responses to life.
I have my moments when my heart aches to hear her romping through our house. We shared many mornings in our jammies having our morning cup of tea. My little kitchen assistant is now gone, along with her silly songs and antics to make me laugh. I will have to wait until we visit one another to enjoy her cuddles and hugs. It has not been easy to let go of the season that kept Annica so close to me. Moving on, oftentimes, is not easy. I will always be thankful for the special time I had with my sweet granddaughter. Annica played an intricate part of my life. Afterall, she taught me how to be a Grammy!
Thank-you, my lit'l darlin'. Hugs and kisses! Grammy loves you.
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