The Making of a Grandmother

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Added: Thu. Jan 24, 2013 8:58am
Posted in: Family

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In October, I became a first-time mother. My daughter Audrey came on her 41st week of existence, in a rush of activity in the wee hours of the morning. I'd waited for her for 9 months, and perhaps my whole life.



Just as significantly, when she came into the world, three other women became first-time grandmothers. My mother, my husband's mother and my husband's stepmother -- all important people in my life before, but crucial now.

When I found out I was pregnant, I decided to keep the news to myself for a whole (well, I let my husband in on the secret, of course!) because I wanted to truly celebrate the moment with my parents. They were due to visit me in Florida about 10 weeks into my pregnancy and as hard as it was, I kept my lips sealed. And plotted. 

After throwing out lots of other ideas, I decided to take the audio recording of my baby's heartbeat and put it inside a keepsake box, along with a picture of the ultrasound. I teared up putting it together, anticipating the reaction I would get from my parents. And they didn't disappoint.

When my mom cracked open the box, the room was silent except for the sound of the heartbeat. It took a moment for it to sink in. My mom and dad just looked at me with big eyes, waiting for my confirmation. And since I couldn't speak, I just nodded.

I was excited to become a mom but my mom was beyond excited to become a grandmother. And that's why I find such pleasure and joy in a video that has gone viral this week on YouTube -- showing the priceless reaction another grandmother had at the news that a baby was on the way.


(My mom, for the record, did not scream or throw things but her reaction was just as special!)

I lost my own grandmother before my daughter was born, and I'm still mourning her absence. I'm so glad that my mom is here and in our lives...