They say a grandmother is a mother who has a second chance, or a mom with a lot of practice. Walking my dog around my compound, the other day, I bumped into my neighbor Juliet and her husband. Their little grand baby was in the pram, and they excitedly announced they were giving him his first bath all by themselves.
The parents had gone to Al Ain and left him in their charge. It was grandpa who was doing the honours, grandmamma was just a little too hyper and couldn’t trust herself. I wished him luck. May your skills come back in double dozes, I said.
Far away in India sits another doting grandma, Annu Ammachy, who has written a collection called ‘Never Do Stories’ for her grandchildren, in which she writes of all the naughty things she did as a child for which she was punished, and which her grandkids must never ever attempt to do.
The grandkids loved her stories as she weaved mystery, suspense and tryst into the fabric of her tales. Their eyes would get rounder and mouths open wider as they heard of an ancient cupboard that was never opened, and whose key was never found. Or of the boat that was found drifting on the river with nobody inside.
Last week, my friend Suja, another grandma, told me how she kept her grandchild, busy chatting, singing and doing her homework, long distance from Dubai, on Skype, while her daughter took a much-needed nap after a hectic working day. Technology put to good use imparting great pleasure on both sides!
Precious People
Grandmothers come in all shapes and sizes. The more fashionable ones cast aside their traditional attire and don modern clothes for convenience. When they visit, they take over the kitchen and cook the tastiest meals. They also have traditional recipes for any ailment, their ultimate chicken soup, being the cure of all diseases. Sleeping next to them, in the crux of their arm, is the ultimate in comfort. Ultra modern grandmas get techy and learn to write emails, use Facebook and take the new world in their stride. They even “google”.
The best part of the grandma factor, what I remember of how my mother was to my kids, was the praying bit. My mother always insisted on praying to our heavenly Father, reading the bible, trusting in God more than anything else. I treasure her diaries in which she tirelessly wrote down all the sermons she heard, with little notes on the side. Her kneeling by the bedside in prayer is a sight my children won’t ever forget. Pattom Amma, as they called her, would dress as Santa for Christmas, bring the most unusual gifts, and she always had the lyrics of her favorite songs in her little handbag which she would produce if anyone needed some entertainment.
I have seen many beautiful grandmas right here in Abu Dhabi. They nurture their grandkids long distance or near, with blessings, letters and gifts. Grandmas never run out of cookies and kisses. Grandpa might lose some of his patience, but grandma is always holding the fort, and maintaining peace. My Scottish grandma friend, almost 75, showed off her grandchildren’s pictures, far away in Scotland, with great pride and tears in her eyes.
These grandmas leave a heritage that all the money in the world can’t give. So next time you see an old lady, remember that she is someone’s grandma, and because of that worthy of your respect. Treat her kindly.
By Marien Oommen
