GETTING OLD

Most of the time I don't feel "old",whatever that is. However, on March 3, my lovely granddaughter will be 14 years old. It seems impossible that she's that old and that I'm old enough to have a grandchild that old. She's turning into a remarkable young woman. I just wish I knew her better.

You are probably wondering about that last statement. You see, I had my son when I was in college back in the day when those things were kept secret. I gave him up for adoption and I found him nearly 11 years ago. He and his kids live in another state so I don't get to see them as often as I would like.

I remember the first time I saw my granddaughter. She was three years old and had just gotten up from her nap. She was so beautiful. It was love at first sight for me. She was a remarkable person even at that young age. Such imagination and such a big vocabulary! After she got used to me she talked my ear off! Now she's a young woman with a boyfriend and is dealing with all the hassles that come with growing up.

I tell you, I'm glad I'm not growing up now. Things are so different compared to when I was a teenager (back in the "olden days" of the 60's). It's so hard for them to know the right thing to do. Kids these days are bombarded with so much information and misinformation. Though there have been some minor missteps, I think my granddaughter has a good head on her shoulders and will be able to travel through the land mines of teenagerhood with minimal damage. She has a good relationship with her dad and that's so important.

I made her something for her birthday, but I won't tell you what it is or post any pictures until after her birthday on the small chance that, maybe, she reads Grandma Barbara's blog.

Her brother's 10th birthday is coming up soon and I'll tell you all about him when it gets a little closer. He's an amazing kid, too.