A Baby Brings love and a 

Four-year-old Brings Hope!

 

Four short years ago, Gabriel came into our lives as my first grandchild. I had anticipated the arrival like no other but never in a million years did I expect to have the feeling of love that I experienced that day.

Fortunately for me, I was able to travel and arrived well before he made his appearance. Thankfully, my daughter, Katie delivered this perfect bundle of joy…and his arrival changed my world! Watching Katie & Anthony become parents was something I will never forget.

I know that Gabriel was a gift and his timing was perfect! He didn’t know it, but he helped me heal my broken heart. He will always have a special place in my heart for sure.

As I began to grow as a “CeCe” (my grandma name that has worked out very well!), I realized how much there was to learn from the eyes of an innocent child. There is no hate, there is no bias, just so much wonderment and I cherish every minute of watching him and I have learned a lot too!

I’ve learned that when CeCe is visiting, Gabriel knows that he can come into bed with me, in the morning. It’s an easy thing that doesn’t go against Mommy & Daddy’s rules.

I’ve learned that a sibling relationship (his little brother Adrian will be two at the end of the month) is special and yet not always easy! When Adrian first came home, there was excitement and curiosity. Soon, as Adrian started to crawl and get into the toys, there was jealousy and emotional tears. As they have grown together, Adrian wants to do everything Gabriel does…which is so cute, but when Gabriel lets loose and does something that is a little over the line, Adrian follows and then they both go wild!

I’ve learned that kids can be excited to start “school!” Gabriel started pre-K this past week and I think he’s going to love it. He likes routine, structure, and loves meeting new friends. Many of these new people will soon become his “best friends.”

I’ve learned that kids really do listen…Gabriel wanted me to tell him a story and I shared one about my Great Grandmother who traveled in a covered wagon. I told him about how her family of eight travelled in a wagon, which was similar his wagon, except with a cover and much bigger. I explained that they had one donkey and one horse pulling the wagon. I told him about the terrible rain storm that nearly wiped out their donkey. I also shared the happy ending when they got to St. Louis. The next night, he asked for that same story. When I asked him how many kids were in the family, he told me 6 (the other two were the parents). He told me about the donkey falling into the mud. He could almost repeat the story. I admit I was shocked and can’t wait to have him read the real accounting of this story that my great-grandmother has left behind for us.

I’ve learned that even at four years old, kids can learn about people and their differences. Without going into a lot of detail, Gabriel knows about the rainbow flags. He knows that sometimes a man loves a man and sometimes a man loves a “gril” (he’s so cute when he says girl/gril, I couldn’t correct him. He may not understand this completely, but his parents answered his question when he asked about the rainbow flags that lined the driveway of Westinghouse, when they were pulling into day care in June. They did not make up a fairy tale story, they told him in a way that he could comprehend as a four-year-old.

When this CeCe was talking to him, there may have been a tear or two. The tears for the pride I had for my daughter and son-in-law, and for my sweet Gabriel who will no doubt be able to help others understand this someday. Like I said, a four-year-old gives me hope!

I’ve learned that the world my grandchildren are growing up in is much different from my world, but I have hope for their future because I know they will do the right things for their neighbors and honestly, that’s something good to know!

I want to close with saying that Gabriel stole my heart four years ago, and he continues to amaze me with his personality and his knowledge. He’s setting a great example for his brother and I know his parents are doing a great job!!

I love you baby boy!!! Hope you have a great night with those S’mores for your birthday treat!

xoxoxoxoxo