Pretty Baby

I missed writing last Saturday because my grandchild came to visit. It's been six months since I've seen her, and it was such a joy. Now I know I'm just a little prejudiced but she is absolutely gorgeous and the most brilliant child I have ever known.

All exaggeration aside, she looks just like my daughter did at her age and so watching her rush from one activity to another, laugh constantly and cuddle sweetly took me back decades. There is truly nothing like the feel of a chubby face smashed into your neck or a soft little hand encased in yours.

My daughter began with a warning that Lily didn't sit still much so not to be disappointed if she didn't cuddle the way she once did with me, but that was not the case. She was content on my lap to read, play and even rest her head on my shoulder for long periods of time.

Like me with my grandmother, I believe I formed a real bond with my granddaughter when she was born and whenever we are together, I think she remembers on some level. She lights up when she sees me (possibly the most beautiful thing I've seen since my own did the same). She never hesitates to come to me, and she relaxes when I start singing her the songs I did when I rocked her to sleep after she was just born.

Grandparents....never underestimate the impact you have on your grandchildren. My bond with my grandmother was one of the strongest in my life. It was she who passed on to me the stories of my family and taught me the beauty of my heritage and culture. It was she who inspired in me a love of beautiful things and the absolute importance of family.

She taught us that friends are wonderful to have and that we all need them, but that the bond with family is critical and unparalleled. To deprive a child of that deep and unconditional love and that true sense of belonging and connection is to take away a great gift.

As for her brilliance, she is truly. Because she has lived in Egypt and Sudan, she understands much in both English and Arabic, and she speaks in both languages. My daughter is a great teacher.

Additionally, I bought her the program "Your Baby Can Read", and, if you can believe this, Lily can already read about 40 words and understands what they mean. I recommend the program highly to every grandparent and parent I know.

Being able to watch a sweet baby grow to be a darling toddler and then into an evolving child is a rare wonder. If you have grandchildren nearby, consider yourself blessed.

I don't think I have to tell you to cherish every moment with them, to whisper endearments at every turn, to share yourself with them in every way possible, and to give them a piece of your heart. It may hurt to have them take that piece away when they leave one day, but I believe you can take solace in the fact that no matter how far away they may be, they will never forget you or the love you shared with them.