My son’s been married just a little over a year so I was getting used to being a mother-in- law. Even though I’ve spent a lot of time with my son and daughter-in- law during her pregnancy, something changed at the hospital. Even when Katie was in labor, Cory stepped up and was in control. He was 100% dad. And when Clayton was born the tears in my son’s eyes brought my own tears.
Being a grandma I’ve had to be patient to wait my turn for the little guy. And once I hold him the first thing I want to do is search his features for any resemblance to his daddy at that age. I marvel when I realize he has my son’s nose and cheeks. I laughed-out-loud when I saw he has a dimple–passed from Me to Cory to Clayton! Inside, I pondered the miracle. I’d been a 17-year-old scared teen with an uncertain future when I gave birth to Cory. Now my home is filled with family, and God has provided more than I ever dreamed or desired.
When I was pregnant with Cory I dedicated my life to God. I prayed, “If you can do anything with my life, please do.” I had no idea what God had in store. I also had no idea that by fully surrendering my life to Christ that so many more people would be impacted, and that means little Clayton, too. I’m a different grandmother because of God.
Cory is a different father than he would have been if I’d raised him still clinging to my own way and not God’s way. When I look at my grandson I not only see the family resemblance, I also see what God was able to do with a family when we turn our lives over to Him. I see hope. I see a good future. I see God’s fingerprints in baby hands and feet, and this grandma can’t wait to see what God has in store for this precious new child.
Lovely post! My daughter gave birth to her first child just yesterday (my 4th grandchild) and I certainly understand your feelings.
Congratulation on becoming a grandma! I hadn’t read about your story until reading this, but I also was a young mom (pregnant with my oldest son at 18) and gave my life to Christ during my pregnancy. I admire what you are doing to minister to young moms in your writing.