Giving New Meaning to Parenting

Time, they say, heals all wounds. While I don’t think this applies for every situation I do know that there is some truth to the statement. Five years ago we brought our daughters home from the hospital on Thanksgiving day. They had been born premature at 30 weeks gestation (which is 10 weeks too soon). They had spent 7 weeks in the Neonatal ICU and we were so excited to get the call to bring them home on the holiday.

Everyone was at our house anxiously awaiting the call from the hospital. The turkey was in the oven and the holiday spirit was in the air. My relationship with the in-laws was tense, to say the least. Things got worse in the days following our happy event. At one point I was ready to leave my husband because of the in-law situation.

My husband and I worked though our issues with the help of a counselor. Also, I think reading my book, Tiny Toes, gave him a new perspective into our relationship and that with the in-laws. I spent many hours in the counselors office working through my own childhood issues that were impacting me as an adult. Slowly the relationship between me and the in-laws improved.

It is funny how time can change things. This year they arrived a couple of days before Thanksgiving and I was happy to see them. I actually enjoy their company. Even more, though, I have to admit I love watching my girls enjoying time with Grandpa and Grandma. It truly fills my heart with joy.

I want my daughters to have a close relationship with their grandparents. It is something that I really never had and always wished it had been different. We would visit family about once-per-year. I didn’t get to hear stories about what it was like for my grandmothers when they were growing up. In fact, there are too many family secrets on my side of the family. So, I am encouraging the relationship between the grandparents (both sets) and my daughters. And hopefully when my girls have their families they will do the same.

What are some of the wonderful memories you have with your parents and your children?

by Kelly Damron