Miracles happen everyday

By MARIBETH WARD

The miracle of a new baby never ceases to amaze and awe me. I was lucky enough to hold my newest grandchild, Emma, when she was less than 18 hours old. I held my Riley at 24 hours and Matt within three hours.

People often talk about the overwhelming feelings one has when one's own children are born but that isn't lessened any when the grandchildren start coming. If anything, it's every bit as wondrous but has a touch of fun rolled in. Grandparents know for years ahead there will be hours of giggles, shared secrets and hugs and kisses.

Parents are recovering from the birth and stress of a new little one, not enough sleep and all the fears that crowd into a new parents mind. We grandparents on the other hand, have none of the physical pain although there are certainly sympathetic pangs when seeing our own children in pain.

For us, we get to hold that new bundle of joy and feel the sweetness of that tiny being nestled in our arms. In my case, I had the additional joy of spending more time with my favorite kids--Matt and Riley.

Grandchildren are a blessing that is both unexpectedly joyful and overwhelmingly humbling. What feelings can compare to that of a tiny sweet smelling being curled up against your shoulder making soft cooing sounds? There is an intense joy that courses through you when a teeny, tiny hand wraps her fingers around one of yours and holds onto it.

I was lucky when Matt, our first grandson was born. My daughter lived in Carmel and because her husband traveled frequently for his job, Matt and his mom spent a lot of time at our house.

He is a fantastic big brother, always eager to help and quite the expert in fiddling with all the gadgets that come with a baby from the music box above the bassinet to the lights on the swing. He is a pro and a brother any little girl would be proud to have.

Before Riley, our princess was born, my daughter and her family moved to northern Indiana where her husband's family lives. And those "other" grandparents are just a few miles away. Meanwhile Grampy and Nana are three hours from our beloved little ones.

I openly admit there are pangs of envy when I know we can't get to Matt's soccer game or visit on Grandparents day at his school. I'm glad he has a grandmother to be there but I much prefer it was this grandmother rather than "the other one."

Riley, is our princess. She is the only girl among gangs of boys in her father's family. Of course, she is the only girl on our side of the family as well. I love knowing that I am the only one she will talk to on the telephone. She refuses to talk to her other grandparents or even her dad.

We all predicted trouble when baby Emma came home. But Riley truly is a princess--gracious and giving. She brings blankets, diapers, and toys to her baby sister. Although she has yet to allow anyone to sit with her and at the same time hold her beautiful "baby Emma." We think she will come around in time.

Time goes by so swiftly. We get caught up in our jobs and all the things that go on in our lives. I hope I never grow so old that I don't stop to appreciate a little hand curled in mine, a quick hug or a phone conversation with my grandkids.

When a grandparent looks into the eyes of their grandchild there is no doubt that miracles happen. My wish is for everyone to experience that miracle and to experience it frequently.