Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Thursday Love - Shutter Sisters

This is Ethan our 6yr old grandson that lives far away. I met this little man when he was almost three as a new bride to his papa Dave. We hit it off immediately but we were all new to the extended family protocol of what to call me, so I became Tammy. He noticed at three that I was different and papa had to help me up the stairs. His little heart was so full of compassion that he held out his tiny hand to assist me up the stairs with papa. I was overwhelmed with emotion at how much he understood. We really hit it off once we got to know each other.

When grand babies live so far away they seem to grow up much too fast and you worry they will forget you. Dave forgets to let me say hi when he calls mainly because he's not a phone person and it can be awkward chatting with children. They often nod instead of saying yes or suddenly walk away. lol

On our recent visit I wanted to focus on quality time with the boys so we could make a stronger bond until we can be together again. TK's (my daughter's son) birth changed me inside as a woman because I had realized the responsibility of being a grandparent and the intense love that came with that role. I wanted all that with Dave's grandsons but I wanted to earn it with the time we had on this visit.

Ethan and I picked up where we had left off and I made the effort to show my love in ways he could feel. I sat on the porch in 40 degree temperatures watching him dunk baskets, ride his new bike and hit baseballs with papa until I could not feel my feet. I really enjoyed cheering and even threw out some pointers. We all had a blast! Ethan gave me the most precious gift of the trip by calling me grandma for the very first time and it gave me goosebumps. I plan on being a better grandma to all my grandson's and finding long distance ways to do it. This picture represents joy and love for my grandson Ethan.


*I wanted to start playing with photos as spring approaches so I'm starting with http://shuttersisters.squarespace.com/home/category/love-thursday . My energy has returned from that nasty flu and my email is up...woohoo!

24 comments:

emmapeelDallas said...

Tammy,

This is BEAUTIFUL, and it gave me goosebumps! What lucky boys they are to have you as their Grandma. It's such a wonderful gift, to be a grandparent...impossible to describe to anyone who hasn't had the experience. I had a wonderful Grandma, who loved me unconditionally...as you love your little grandsons. And I love the pic, too.

Amber said...

*sniff* That is so sweet. Sounds nice to me.

:)

Becca said...

Ohh, such lucky boys! You have so much joy and heart to share with them - probably 10 minutes with you is like hours with a "normal" granny! You're such a special lady :)

Glad to hear you're feeling better, and good to see you around again!

Love and hugs xoxo

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

Please tell me what long-distance grandmothering ideas you come up with! I have 3 long-distance grandsons I wold love to be a better grandma to. Love the new sidebar pics, too, and Ethan is a real cutie. Two of my close grandsons are 6. The far-away ones are 5, 3, and 1....

So happy to hear you are feeling better. (You can't keep a good woman down!)...for long. Love this post!

Kay Cooke said...

Loved catching up with your news - makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Great photos - those smiles are to die for! What love is there. You can see it.

Nancy said...

Not many people write entries that make my eyes water up...but you sure do. That photo sums up the incredible love you share too. And I bet him calling you grandma just about melted you.
I'm so glad you're feeling better...it's about freakin' time. And yay for email! Does that mean you'll stop writing me on my blogspot that I can't get into? LOL!
We'll talk soon...
Love ya mucho,
Nance

Nancy said...

ps.
i love eva cassidy too, but of course. what a surprise! ;)

Chris said...

Hey Tammy, welcome to Shutter Sisters and "Love Thursday'! That compassion that Ethan has for you will last forever and carry over into other parts of his life as well. My boys are so good and patient with their great-grandma, helping her when she walks or covering her up with her throw when she's cold. If we go somewhere and they an elderly person who needs help, they jump right on it without being asked or anything. I've had many people tell me how awesome it is that their so compassionate for their age. Your grandkids are getting a great gift from you. That's wonderful.
P.S.-glad you're back!

paris parfait said...

Awww, your sweet story brought tears to my eyes. Great photo too! And Bonnie emailed me, after your conversation. Am emailing you. xoxox

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

This is so beautiful. I'm so happy you put this up for Love Thursday because now I've found you and your blog.

Happy LT :)

Erin Faye said...

What a beautiful story to go along with a beautiful picture! Thanks for sharing it!!

The Sarcastic Mommy said...

Ahhh, sweet love! Nothing like getting a cuddle of a little cutie!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Tammy! Ethan seemed very humbled to know that you wrote a story about how much you love him. He also likes the picture of you two, I'll get him one to put in his room!
Lots of love from us all!

GreenishLady said...

So glad you're putting that flu behind you, and along with the others, that gave me goosebumps too! How lucky Ethan is to have you in his life. How lucky all the little ones who have you for a Gran are. Great to have you back.

Anonymous said...

Tammy, so glad you stopped by my blog because I "found" you.

Your words here are beyond beautiful, and what a precious, tender heart your grandson has. I loved reading that he called you "grandma".

I've read through a bit and love your blog and your spirit. Be back soon.

bonggamom said...

What a special relationship you have with your grandson. I know it can be challenging -- my parents and my husband's parents live far away from us, so my kids get to see their grandparents only about once a year. They miss each other terribly and their bonds are as strong as they can be.

Yolanda said...

I am so glad your back and I love shutter sisters and have from the very beginning. Hany in there and know your always in my thoughts and prayers.

daisies said...

so much love dances softly out of this photo, how incredibly beautiful! xo

Anonymous said...

Oh, that is so sweet, tears welled up when you said he called you 'Grandma' for the first time! What a memory to cherish - and I bet you will find even more fun ways to make more wonderful memories with all of those grandboys of yours, Tammy!
I'm so glad your energy is back and you're feeling better now~XOXO

Christy Woolum said...

This reminds me of my mother. She loves being a grandmother and feels so blessed that her granddaughters have moved to her town. I can only be an auntie, but I love that role so much.

UL said...

I am glad to hear you feel better Tammy...this year's flu has been pretty bad..

MomOf4 said...

I found your blog over at Bella's place. You have beautiful grandchildren! Your love for them jumps off the pages of your blog! :)

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