Grilled Grandma: Grandma Marilyn

 
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How many children do you have? 2

How many grandchildren? 4

What are their ages? 17, 20, 20, 22

Any great grandchildren? No

What do your grandchildren call you? Grammy, but oldest sometimes calls me “Graham Cracker”

After the initial elation, what was your first concern upon hearing you would soon be a grandmother? That the baby would be healthy

How often do you get to see your grandchildren? Before pandemic: monthly (then depending on college breaks) and now during pandemic, it’s been a year

What is the best thing about being a grandma? One thing? Too difficult: lit up eyes when I walk in, bear hugs, secrets, cherub cheek kisses

 
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What is the most challenging part of being a grandma? Keeping my mouth shut!

In addition to "grandmother," what other hats do you wear? Keeper of secrets, babysitter when they were young, surprise gift giver, gentle advisor when asked, cheerleader

Describe a recent time that one (or more) of your grandchildren made you laugh out loud. 17 yr old interrupted zoom call by sticking his face in front of everyone to make crazy contorted faces!

What is your favorite thing to do with grandchildren who visit your house? Bake, cuddle, and play board games

What is your favorite thing to do when visiting grandchildren at their house? Enjoy their musical concerts

 
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What/where has been your favorite family vacation? Costa Rica with the whole crew for white water, hiking, zip lining

How do you maintain the bond between yourself and your grandchildren between visits? FaceTime, texts

What do you most want to pass along to your grandchildren? Sharing through charities and caring for the less fortunate with kindness

What is one word you hope your grandkids think of when they think of you? Fun

What is one thing you wish you had learned earlier as a grandparent? How to get babies out of car seats without injuring my hand!

What is one thing (or more) you're proud to say you do right as a grandma? Always showing up to cheer.

What one bit of advice would you give a new grandma? Don’t give any unless asked!

 
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Is there anything else you would you like to add about being a grandmother? It’s the precious prize we get for putting up with their parents as teens, and laughingly watching as their parents discover the path that we had to navigate.

Do you have a website or blog? What is the URL and what is it about? Storyladycollections.com has my books and my philosophy.

Do you have other works you'd like to share? ALL profits from my 5 published books go to Feeding America and Shoes That Fit: They are: Burps From My Butt, Don’t Wipe Your Boogers On The Wall, Your Mommy’s My Daughter, Your Daddy’s My Son, and There’s A Nose In Your Hair.