My little Lilli is 12 days old today. Her actual due date was yesterday, so at the news of a much earlier trip to the hospital than anticipated, I changed my ticket and boarded the next plane out from Texas to Florida, arriving in the delivery room a scant 15 minutes AFTER she made her debut!
I was there in time to watch her get measured and checked over, and then, after what had seemed an interminable wait, she was swaddled tight and placed in my arms. I was a “Mimmie,” a role that I’d dreamed about for such a long time and that would rewrite the song of my future. I scarce could take it in. Then, if that wasn’t enough, my breath was completely stolen by the sight of my baby holding her baby.
My husband was supposed to come later this month with our other daughter, after Lilli was born. However, after one look at a picture of her face, he dropped everything and jumped on a plane the next morning, spending a couple of days becoming as smitten with her as I.
After arriving at their apartment, I’ve settled into the nursery where my grandgirl is sharing her adorable pink digs with me. I’ve fallen asleep to faint sighs and the sound of tiny pursed lips on a phantom bottle. I’ve awakened to little grunts, fists in mouth, and the ever-delightful, million-and-one facial contortions that belong only to the newborn.
I’ve been telling people that I finally understand why people love being a grandparent so much. Your grandchildren are not your responsibility; they are your PLEASURE. And truly, they are. But this morning, as I shared my quiet time with my grandgirl in the soft glow of morning light in our pink kingdom, I realized that I do have a responsibility in her upbringing. Not a responsibility FOR her, but a responsibility TO her. A little squirmy in my arms, she immediately quieted as I began to read aloud the words of Psalm 139.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalm 139:13-17
There, in the stillness, my grandgirl and I locked eyes and hearts as my tears splashed gently on her upturned face. There was a knowing in our hearts that these words were TRUE; she WAS fearfully and wonderfully made by a God whose works are wonderful, and it’s my responsibility to make sure she knows that…that she knows HIM.
Even as my days with her will, too soon, stretch from consecutive, to weeks and months in between, I will be taking my responsibility seriously. And it will be my PLEASURE. That, my darling Lilli, you can rest in!
Tears are pooling in my eyes…how wonderful, Lord! Thank you for this treasure and her family!
Oh my, you made me cry….again. Lilli is a precious treasure and you are such a blessing to this sweet grand girl.
It is such a joy to watch her young life begin and it's a special joy to watch you embrace this new grand role the Lord has given you.
oh, friend. I was getting choked up. Your love for that sweet grandgirl is spilling over through the internet. How precious!
thank you for sharing with us!!
xo,
rachel
Melinda, I am beyond blessed to have you as a cousin, sister, friend- and most importantly, someone I look to as a spiritual mentor. I love you beyond words! Lisa
You brought tears of joy to this great-grandmommy. I wish I could be there to wrap my arms around my three girls!! Lilli will be so blessed to have a Grandmother who knows the power of prayer. You will be a mighty force in Lilli's life!! Plus she will have a great-grandmother praying for her ,too. Thank you Lord for Lilli, our gift!
I Love You!! Mom
Sounds like you are completely ruined, my friend. And that is as it should be. She is beautiful and has you completely wrapped around her tiny little finger. Enjoy your time with her.
Leah
With big ole tears streaming down my cheeks….I'm so happy for you Melinda. My heart is mush for you.
Love you!!!
Fran
Absolutely precious! I have tears in my eyes just picturing you reading that scripture over her!
A-mazing!
She is so blessed to have YOU!
The awe & wonder of it all never ceases! To this day I cannot spend even a moment with the grandchildren that I they don't immediately touch my heart someplace here-to-fore unknown.
What a beautiful child, Melinda; made all the more beautiful by the love of her family – – and a completely smitten mimmie!
Hugs,
Kathleen
She is amazing Melinda!! I am so happy for you all. She is truly a gift!
I think you are getting what I was trying to tell you but there were no words in the English language to really describe it….it only gets better….
Love,
Teresa
Such a beauty! Congrats, Mimmie!
Melinda:
God has blessed you and your family with a bundle of joy.