Snap By Snap

When Carolyn's grandchildren were little, they were the three "wonderfulnesses." It's not that the three could do no wrong, they absolutely could and Carolyn wouldn't let them get away with it - but she always made relationship with them a top priority. Whether it was learning the names of all the Mutant Ninja Turtles with Eric, watching Pokemon and Transformers with Amy, or watching romantic comedies with Stacy, Grandma was into whatever they were into. She wanted to know how their mind worked, and what made them tick. When Amy was three, we moved to Indiana.

We lived with Howard and Carolyn for almost two years after moving to Indy while Mark built up his practice. You never saw a more harmonious three generation household. When it was time to move into our first Indiana house, Amy was five. She loved her new room and new house, but she missed Grandma and Grandpa. So, Grandma/Grandpa nights began. One day a week, Amy would spend the evening with them, watching movies, reading books, or playing pretend. The tradition continued through high school, and now that Amy's a college student, she still spends one evening each week with her Grandma during summer break. All three of the wonderfulnesses are still very connected to their Grandma, even though they now range in age from 18 to 29. And all three have their biggest fan and cheerleader in their Grandma. What blessed young people they are - they will forever be able to see themselves, at least a little bit, the way their Grandma sees them.