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This Poem was Submitted By: marilyn terwilleger On Date: 2004-08-29 17:29:51 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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Grandchildren

I never knew how deep love could be for a grandchild until I was blessed with my first. By the grace of God I was endowed with six more to love. This great gift required no sacrifice on my part. I have no responsibilty for the end result of their development. My only job is to give them love and praise as they are all beautiful and perfect to me. I will justify their mistakes, laud their accomplishments and reserve all bragging rights. If ever you feel tired of dodging the "slings and arrows" of life, just look into the trusting eyes of your grandchildren and watch your woes disappear.

Additional Notes:
I was just on the forum and Jo Mo was pleading with all of us to write and critique more. I found this really old writing and decided to post it...for all you grandparents!

This Poem was Critiqued By: Andrea M. Taylor On Date: 2004-09-09 23:24:18
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
The forum of life presides here, my friend. It starts with the sweet smell of newness and grows to "Nana, may I borrow your car?" The gambit and gauntlet of grandparenting. The freedom of unconditional love not afforded with your offspring. The secrets, the songs, the sailing with dreams on smoother waters of curious seas. How wonderful your image. How pleasant your thoughts. Thanks.

This Poem was Critiqued By: DeniMari Z. On Date: 2004-09-02 17:46:19
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.69231
Dear Marilyn, Hi, this is a nice piece and being a grandparent myself I really enjoyed it. I was 37 when my daughter had her first son, she now has three. Also, I just found out this week that my oldest son is expecting his first child in February, so this poem was posted in a perfect week for me. I found that I slipped into the role of grandmother easily and you are so right, that kind of love is deep because they are a part of us, and like you say not responsible for the end result. You have done a great job with this, no matter when it was written - there is nothing I would do to change it. Good luck with all of the kids! Sincerely, DeniMari

This Poem was Critiqued By: Joanne M Uppendahl On Date: 2004-08-31 21:13:26
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Marilyn: I must be brief, for I still have unpacking to do and a hot bath to take from several strenuous days of "grandparenting"! But I had to write to you to add my "Amen" to this wonderful poem. For those who aren't (or can't be) grandparents, it's always possible to appreciate those of others - maybe be a mentor to a child at church or a local school, for example. I love both the truth and the poetry of this work, and am so glad you've posted this. I never knew how deep love could be for a grandchild until I was blessed with my first. By the grace of God I was endowed with six more to love. This great gift required no sacrifice on my part. I have no (responsibility) for the end result of their development. Absolutely true for me as well. I didn't think I could love another child as much as I love my children - but in many ways, this is even better. For all of the reasons you state so beautifully for us here. It is a "great gift" requiring no sacrifice, except for those grandparents who raise their children's children for whatever reason. I am envious of your six, but cannot imagine that I could be happier with 'more' than the one I have. My daughter's 'ex-'(grandchild's father) and partner expect triplets next spring, I suppose they might be 'step' grandchildren in a way. My only job is to give them love and praise as they are all beautiful and perfect to me. --Isn't this one of God's best 'assignments' yet? :>) I will justify their mistakes, laud their accomplishments and reserve all bragging --(Oh, yes!) rights. If ever you feel tired of dodging the "slings and arrows" of life, just look into the trusting eyes of your grandchildren and watch your woes disappear. (Amen!) Thank you Marilyn for this reminder that no matter how many things I complain about today (the cat's mishap in the hall, the achy muscles from exercising more than I am accustomed to doing, etc.) I have only to think of my grandchild to feel that joy and "watch (my) woes disappear." All my best, Joanne

This Poem was Critiqued By: Claire H. Currier On Date: 2004-08-31 09:01:21
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Indeed a blessing from the Lord above, a grandchild......remember the day Elycia was born and this week she left for college.....Elycia is the granddaughter that had that horrible car accident which I posted a poem about a year ago in June......and how the angels do watch over each one of us.....I have fourteen grandchildren and one great grandson whom I have seen just once. Actually he is on my husband's side but to me they are all ours to share and to love....thanks for posting my friend, Grandparents day is soon to be upon us so we have a special day for celebration but we all know we don't need one for each day is special when you are with your grandchildren. Be safe, God Bless, Claire

This Poem was Critiqued By: Joanne Duval Morgan On Date: 2004-08-30 20:57:39
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.90476
Gee, you just spke (all lovingly written), that all Grandparents feel towards their Grandchild, all my 8 strinkly endowed by the grace of God with Good looks, and height to make their assilimation into Societry with ease, while I knowing the fopars, the pride, and lauding praise to a Children, yes all those gracious accolades so well spoken of in this lovely tridubte to Gods Littest Angles. I love it, and you shouldn't have hidden this beaut. I do appreciate that you take seriously the jepodady the site will fall into, unless there is more participation. It isn't because your efforts lack, nor anyone who has managed at least 15 critiques. If all of us followed those guidelines the site would be extremely healthy. Thank you for posting this marvelous poem, and for your critiquing, you're a doll.....Love Jo

This Poem was Critiqued By: Gerard A Geiger On Date: 2004-08-30 10:40:53
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.66667
Dear Marilyn; What a wonderful tribute to Grandparenthood and the renewed awe and vigor inspired to all through the natural new development (flowering) of youth. I especially like the innocence displayed in the last line...as we are gatekeepers of the culture, it is up to us to ensure their trust is kept.. Truly a loving piece....Your grandchildren are fortunate to have you. Take care, Gerard

This Poem was Critiqued By: Turner Lee Williams On Date: 2004-08-29 18:15:46
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.83333
Marilyn–I don’t think Jo Mo was directing her appeal toward you are some others for that matter (there are some reviewers who always respond regularly: conversely, there are others who post but rarely critique–no reciprocation) . That’s enough petty talk-smile, lets look at your newest offering. A conversational styled piece (almost a declaration-smile) and spoken/written definitely from a grandparent’s point of view. I totally agree with everyone of your sentiments, “I have no responsibility for the end result of their development.” You, I and other parents have raised our “own” children” and really bear no legally responsibilities for the grand ones without special dispensation. Morally, we can do other things only and when/if our children allow us. I would only add/insert one additional “tiny” phrase to your already great lines: “My only job is to give them love (and spoil them rotten) and praise as they are all beautiful and perfect to me.” Thanks for posting this preamble to grand parenting. TLW

This Poem was Critiqued By: James Edward Schanne On Date: 2004-08-29 17:52:15
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.00000
That second stanza makes me think of my mother now a GRAND mother 20 something times over, They are her greatest joy and she finds all excuses possible to have all her children bring theirs' over to her house Thanks for posting and I did read that post on the forum and have posted three poems the last three days, perhaps another one tommorrow

This Poem was Critiqued By: Mell W. Morris On Date: 2004-08-29 17:50:01
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Marilyn: Thanks for posting this warm piece about loving grandchildren. It is easy to see your development as poet but one aspect remains the same: your ability to draw readers in to feel the emotion expressed. So far, I have no grandchildren and I guess that's why I dote on animals so much. (Not that they are the same). In Stanza 1, last five lines point out what I've heard from every grandparent...you can spoil them then send them home to their parents for discipline, dirty diapers, etc. I love the line "reserve all bragging rights". Then you tell the readers that no matter what misfortune may occur or "slings and arrows" come, just look into the trusting eyes of your grandchildren and your sadness will disappear. I could not help but notice Tanner's obvious love for you as he would write, "So, Grammy, what do you think?" His devotion to you literally jumped from the page. This is a heart-smiling piece of writing that cheers my Sunday afternoon and I'm glad I logged on when I did. Best always, Your friend, Mell

This Poem was Critiqued By: Sandra J Kelley On Date: 2004-08-29 17:44:46
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.66667
Marilyn, how sweet and what a perfect discription of the job of a grand parent. I am glad to see some posts this month has been rather slow. I think the first stanza sounds a little like prose maybe a little tightening would help but the sentiment and emotion in the poem is perfect. Love for a grandchild is like an ocean By grace God granted me six to love... I know that my edit won't be what you go with exactly but I'm just thinking a little condencing will strengthen that verse. The poem is a great tribute to both grand children and grand parents thank you for posting it. Sandra

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