The grandparent diaries
Over60 community member, Barb Aiken, counts the many ways she loves her grandchildren and shares the special story of why her granddaughter dedicated a beautiful song at her Christmas concert to her nanna.
Being a grandparent… oh dear, where does one start? I loved being a mum, but being a grandparent is a whole different world. I have five grandchildren ages ranging from 12 to 20; four boys and one girl. I love the way they look at you, love the way they tell you that they love you to the moon and back and let you know that you are the best nanna in the world! I love the way they roll their eyes at you when you sing, dance or just be silly, but you know they love you as they always come back for more: “Come on, Nanna, dance and sing with me!”
I love the little stories they tell you and the secrets they want you to keep! They are so serious at times it is hard to keep a straight face and tell them, “It's okay your secret is safe with me.”
When something good happens, whether it be at school, or a new pet they have just acquired, they ring all excited to tell you. If they meet a new friend they want you to know. I just love their trusting way and their unconditional love. Yes, being a grandparent is a wonderful feeling.
I was diagnosed with cancer recently but explaining my cancer to the grandchildren was ok. I am a very positive person and explained exactly what I had and that I was going to beat it. And if for some reason I still had it after chemo there is a plan B! I had one that cried every time he saw me, and the other three boys were worried, but did not say much, which I think was their way of coping.
My beautiful granddaughter wanted to know the ins and outs of what was happening to me, asking things like, “Er, are you going to lose this?” while pulling and pointing to my hair. Well, I just went into hysterical laughter, and explained that I probably would, and if that happens I will get a wig (well that did happen, and she wanted me to get a blonde wig, I had dark hair!). Another day she was drinking a coke and I asked if I could have a sip, she hesitated then asked if she would catch my cancer. I tried to convince her that she would not, but to no avail, next minute I had a glass in my hand with some coke. I did not hide anything from my grandchildren. Just being there and showing me how much they loved me, in all in their different ways, helped me along.
However, a beautiful thing my granddaughter did was to dedicate Coldplay’s song “Fix you” to me. I had no idea. This beautiful young girl walked out on stage and she said, “Hello, my name is Zara. My Nanna has just recently been diagnosed with cancer and I would like to dedicate this song to her.” Needless to say no photos were taken, as I could not see as the tears were rolling down my face. She is no Celine Dion, but this beautiful girl got a standing ovation! I felt so privileged and loved to have such a beautiful granddaughter!
Do you have a story to tell about your grandchildren? We’d love to hear it! Email us at contribute@oversixty.com.au
Related links:
Grandparents are key to happy grandchildren
6 fun family games to play these holidays
New-age nanas: a guide to successful grand-parenting in the 21st century