By Her View From Home 
My grandparents loved my sister and me from afar. We knew they loved us, but we also knew they did not want us in their day-to-day world. We did not grow up with weekly Sunday lunches at Grandma’s house, and they never swung by just to see us because they missed us so much.
I love(d) my grandparents dearly and have so many wonderful memories with them, but truthfully, there was always a little bit of distance between us—physically and emotionally. They would send us a card on our birthdays, see us on the major holidays, and we might have a few sleepovers during the summer, but that was just about it. It was enough for them and in return, it was enough for me. It was all I knew. That was until I saw my parents become grandparents.
You see, my parents are very involved grandparents. While it’s welcomed and appreciated, they really wouldn’t have it any other way. From the moment they found out I was expecting, they were ready and willing to step into their new roles as Nana and Pa.
My mother sat in the waiting room of the hospital that night all night, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first grandchild. Sleep-deprived and full of joy, she helped me as I was learning to be a mother myself after a traumatic cesarean.
She would bring by food or stop by on her way home from work, just to see how we were doing. She would offer to come over so I could take a nap or so she could help me do laundry.
Now, out of the newborn fog, she comes over just to see our son because she misses him so much—even when she had seen him two days before. That had been just about long enough for her, she says. She loves to take our son to the library and pick him up for some quality time.
My dad deserves equal praise. He did not grow up in a home that showed a lot of affection, but he has broken the cycle and has done nothing but shower his grandson with love since day one. They play chase, race cars, drive trucks, read books, and so much more. I’ve never seen a grandpa and grandson so close. They’re best buds.
It brings my heart so much joy to know our son is so loved, but there is a part of me very deep down that is sad. That wasn’t my experience, and it never will be. My son is blessed, and I am too—in so many ways. While I’m so thankful for the grandparents I had, I now know what I missed out on.
by Tania Lorena Rivera 
by Jamie Duhn 
