WHEN I WATCH my granddaughter, I glimpse her mama. In a profile. In a smile. In the way her hair curls.
When I watch my grandson, I see my son. In chunky body. In his sweet face. And I flash back 25 years.
In those moments I yearn for the days of children at home. To hug. To greet every morning and kiss every night. To know they are safe and happy and within the reach of my arms.
But years pass and life changes and kids fly away from home. Some literally, some not. They grow their independence, move on, start their own lives. Even though distance separates, a mother’s love knows no geographical boundaries. And the missing them never goes away.
Then grandchildren arrive. Not replacing anyone or any memories. Rather, they add a new kind of love to life. Beautiful and wonderful and lovely and reminders of the children I raised. The daughters and the son, whom I love beyond measure. No matter the space that separates us.
© Copyright 2019 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
They are always in our hearts even when we are apart. (Hey–the start of a poem perhaps?).
My friend’s son Noah would like that as he thinks all poems should rhyme.
But, yes, our kids are always in our hearts. Always.
I think it will take forever before I have grandchildren, but I’m excited for when the time is right.
I hope it happens for you. Grandchildren are such a blessing.
It is amazing how one’s heart expands with love! I experience that love with my nieces and nephews and now they are having little ones. I also experience that love with mister man and adding his family into the mix. You see just how precious life is and it reminds you to live each day as fully as possible. Your grandchildren are oh so cute and are growing up so fast too 🙂 Happy Day – Enjoy
I love how you embrace your entire family in your circle of love.
The butterfly wings: kids get all the cool stuff. 🙂
Izzy got those Monarch wings for her birthday. Watching her fly in them was absolute pure joy.
And, yes, kids get all the cool things.
My daughter’s nickname was Schmetterling. It’s German for butterfly.
Seriously? That’s an impressive nickname.
Quite seriously, she used to float around in her little billowing dresses… (oh, the memories, sigh)
What sweet sweet memories.
Amen!
I love the butterfly cape.
It’s adorable on Izzy, for sure.
love you upbeat spring photos and cute grandchildren photos-the butterfly wings are the best-just a breatho spring air
Yes, I feel like spring has finally flown into Minnesota, just in time for your return.
Looks like you got to spend some sweet time with your littles. My youngest (Audrey) is now 10! How in the world did she grow up so fast. I had a recent memory of her with her butterfly wings on at Easter time when she was about Izzy’s age. That is such a fun age! Love those grands so much, and my Brice too, I miss not having my oldest boy around. I’m blessed to have Gavin, Brianna and family in town with me, but I’m finding that as the littles get older they become more involved with activities and it gets harder to pin them down. I called my daughter last night and asked if we can have the kids overnight this weekend, she said…”YES”, we cant wait!
I’m so happy you also had that sweet time with your grands and what a fun weekend to look forward to with Audrey and Carson. Audrey really be 10 already.
I do not long for the day when my son flies away. These days it is enough dealing with his impending independence!
I understand, Keith. This letting go part of parenting is not easy.