The next and best phase

On Sept. 8, 2009, we were altered forever almost as significantly as 30 years ago when our eldest child was born, but this occasion was slightly different. This time I was not the person enduring the laborious process. My role was altered as I became the bystander with a very diverse involvement, but my life did evolve into a new connection unlike no other.

William Alexander entered the world that day with a shock of blond hair, bright blue eyes and weighed in at eight pounds, 14 ounces. We stared at him from the nursery window trying to digest the passing of time and his presence. I kept trying to comprehend where the years had vanished and I could not grasp that I was now entering an entirely new life phase. Did I actually resemble the prototype of grandmother and could I even assume the part properly? Would I carry around pictures and wait eagerly for his visits? Standing there at the window, I was full of doubt as to how I would adapt to this new identity, but when the yellow receiving blanket moved and I saw his little face, I knew that nothing else mattered as long as he was healthy, and that my daughter and son in law were happy.

Needless to say, all those insignificant insecurities evaporated as I grew to know and love him and I cannot envision the world without him. Ordinarily, I am not one of those individuals who tend to lose control when a baby is in a room. I may comment that he or she is adorable but I can tear myself away quite easily. Even though my life has personally and professionally included children, the whole idea of grandchildren was something I could not emotionally connect with. But you can never predict how you will feel as William has elevated the emotion of loving a child to another dimension.

On Jan. 8, he celebrated his four-month birthday and he was staying at my house with my daughter, as his father was out of town. This little boy, who cannot voice an opinion, can completely control the house with his feedings, diapers, laundry, and habits and we stare at him for hours as if he was creating miracles. We marvel at his gummy smiles and his endless developments. We comment on his brilliance as he reaches to grab a toy, and we delight in every outfit he wears as if he invented the style. We are convinced that he is the most beautiful child and there is nothing we would not do for him and the gifts for him pile up daily.

So, how has our life changed? Our basic daily routine has not except that most waking moments we do wonder about him. What is he doing? Has he slept? He has recently found his hands, plays with his toys with enthusiasm and is rolling from side to side. When he is around, we are thrilled with his presence and we cannot stop ourselves from speaking in those ridiculously shrill voices or singing silly songs. We marvel that he brightens up the house and the truth is that when he smiles, we are delirious with delight as the beauty of his expression thrills us every time.

Life becomes bright with prospects again as we relive childhood for the third time: first it was our own youth, then the births of our kids, and now the first grandchild. We dream of what we shall experience with him as he begins to eat, walk, talk, play and just grow up and we do not want to miss a thing.

William represents the hope of the future and the extension of family. He represents innocence and possibilities as we relive the miracle of birth and human development once more. He transforms any misery into pleasure and the minute he appears wrapped up in a blanket, a bib and a sleeper, all that went wrong that day is obliterated. We deal in the joy of his being and we do not focus on any of the negativities involved in child rearing as he has his parents for those responsibilities. In our new and special position, we benefit only on the positive as he shines the light of joy on this very fulfilling phase of our lives.