Our first grand-baby Olive, the newest family member, is another momentous knot in the family rope that starts at the beginning of time and ends at the end of time. In our ancestry charts, we now need to add more connecting lines and another deeper level. It adds another layer of complexity to our family tree, but it is not complex. I am a grandmother – my son is a father – and my husband has resorted to making silly baby noises and his chest is bursting with love. This granddaughter is pure simple joy and perfect in every way. Perfect!
It seems to me that the birth of this baby also signifies the rebirth of me. The tape that runs through my head now consists of future experiences of reading Little Bear books at bedtime, picnics under the dining room table, and magical adventures that involve just a little bit of mischievousness that might not get mentioned to Mom and Dad. I think a whole different and new way about my life – and I’m creating a giant place in my heart for this gift of love.
Olive – I imagine that you will teach me more than I could ever teach you. I am excited to get back to the basics, where all that is important is based on love and hugs, silly belly laughs, and making things in this world simpler, not more complicated. I cannot wait for our journey and adventures together. I am open to the lessons you have to teach me.
I am thinking today of my parents, who would be great-grandparents (literally!). My dad would be down on the floor playing with you, not only for your sake, but for his. He loved to laugh and play and taught me to treasure PLAY in my life. If you learn that from me, it will be my Dad’s legacy. My Mom would have told you all the family stories and would try to connect you to that which you came from – this too is something she passed onto me. I will try to honor that gift that she gave me.
I will be glad when you remind me of your Dad when he was a boy. I will love remembering those seemingly uneventful days of his life where he discovered bugs, the treasures of pirates and cowboys, and how to love with all his heart. I will look for expressions of your Mother that I have come to know and love – her love for the White Sox, Purdue football, and the Bears and how to create an occasion out of the ordinary day. You have the cutest curl on your lower lip right before you cry – like your father had as a baby. I won’t tell your Dad that he will find it hard to resist any request that you have – he will learn that for himself.
I cannot wait to see who you will be, to view at close range your thoughts, your identity, the world that becomes part of your life. If I impart anything to you, it is for you to know that you can be anything you want – the president, a teacher, a chef, CEO, an artist, or perhaps the scientist that cures cancer. But whatever it is, it is important to enjoy it and have people in your life to enjoy it with you.
Welcome to the family Olive! I will help you discover your roots and tell you stories about those that came before you. I hope you help me discover some new fantastic adventures. Let’s create some new family stories together.
©Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. KimberlyNixon.com
Comments on this entry are closed.
What a nice ‘intro’ for Olive, telling of what’s ahead! I think it is most remarkable — that sense of ‘belonging’ that is already hers. She really IS a part of something so much bigger. So very cool.
Great post! Congratulations to you and your family. Love the picture of the little wrinkly brand new feet. 🙂
Kim,
How precious is this gift from our Lord!! You have an amazing talent of documenting life as it is. What a treasure you have to share with your family and sweet Olive. I’m sure she adores you already, Granny!
Kim
I have enjoyed everyone of your stories you have put on your website. They are so touching and I can tell you mean it from the bottom of your heart. Memories are so very precious cling to them because no one can take them from you. God Bless
Aunt Sue