Here is an entitlement program I can support: graternity leave (maternity = mother; paternity = father; graternity = grandparent). I’m not thinking of initiating a lawsuit or picketing corporate America, however I would like to raise social awareness of this option.
After a month of Jewish holydays which substantially cut down on available work days, I should be aggressively returning to business. The backlog of unanswered emails and the work needed to get our newest audio CD available for sale are overwhelming. Customer interaction, Musings writing and regular administrative details are all areas which have been sorely neglected.
I’m afraid they will continue to be disregarded, or at the very least they won’t get my undivided attention. Our daughter and son-in-law presented us with an enchanting baby boy early Sunday morning a week ago. I am in Jerusalem filling my daughter’s freezer and helping her adjust to her new reality. In theory, I could find time to do some work as well, but I’d rather spend my time staring at the baby as he yawns, squishes his face and gazes around. I am hereby invoking graternity leave.
Word crafting runs in our family. My son has pointed out that there is an inclusive word for sisters and brothers – siblings. However, no equivalent exists for nieces and nephews of which, thank God, he has a growing numbers. Hence, his new word – niblings.
Longer musings from me will resume shortly.
Elinor and Anastasia,
Thanks so much for your comments. I had to leave the baby (and his parents) to come back home and I miss them dearly. But it is a great thrill watching my girls become loving mothers and knowing their babies are in good hands.
Elinor and Anastasia,
Thanks so much for your comments. I had to leave the baby (and his parents) to come back home and I miss them dearly. But it is a great thrill watching my girls become loving mothers and knowing their babies are in good hands.
Dear Susan,
How wonderful, another baby to love. I love your musing on grandparents. Here is my story for you. My Grandson Nikolas (3 years) and I read together quite a bit. One day while we were reading a book on my lap, he turned to me and said,”Grandma will you love me forever?” Grandma replied,”I will love you as long as God allows me to be on this earth and afterwards you can just think of me and I will be a beautiful memory in your head.” He turned around, put his arms around me and said,”I love you, Grandma.” Grandma melted into a puddle and then kissed him after she wiped her eyes. Have fun with your new grandson and don’t worry about us. We’ll wait patiently for more of your wisdom.
Love, Grandma Books {This is what Nikolas calls me}. AKA Elinor
Dear Susan,
How wonderful, another baby to love. I love your musing on grandparents. Here is my story for you. My Grandson Nikolas (3 years) and I read together quite a bit. One day while we were reading a book on my lap, he turned to me and said,”Grandma will you love me forever?” Grandma replied,”I will love you as long as God allows me to be on this earth and afterwards you can just think of me and I will be a beautiful memory in your head.” He turned around, put his arms around me and said,”I love you, Grandma.” Grandma melted into a puddle and then kissed him after she wiped her eyes. Have fun with your new grandson and don’t worry about us. We’ll wait patiently for more of your wisdom.
Love, Grandma Books {This is what Nikolas calls me}. AKA Elinor
Oh, congratulations on your new life and joy! I agree with you – grandmas and grandpas ought to do nothing but do exactly as you are – watch their grandbabies, sing to them, bless them, pray for them.
Oh, congratulations on your new life and joy! I agree with you – grandmas and grandpas ought to do nothing but do exactly as you are – watch their grandbabies, sing to them, bless them, pray for them.