Thank Heaven For Grandmas | Toronto Teacher Mom

Thank Heaven For Grandmas

Sunday, June 10, 2012

You know those days when you have a gazillion and one things to do, and your husband is working, and the kids are arguing over the one toy that's been collecting dust for months? Those days when the house is a complete and utter disaster, the laundry is piled higher than Mt. Everest and you haven't even begun to think about what's for dinner? It is during those desperate times when motherhood seems the most daunting, when all you feel like doing is throwing your hands up in the air and running in the opposite direction. Sometimes, all you need is some good old quality 'me time', a break from the every day routine, a solitary walk in the park, a soothing cup of coffee alone in a café or even just an hour of yoga and meditation. Serenity now? Maybe. Grandma now? You bet!

Having moved to Toronto from my hometown of Hamilton, I don't often resort to dropping the kids off at my parent's whenever I'm in despair since it's at least a one-hour commute. I am, however, incredibly grateful that my mother-in-law lives literally five minutes away. And that she loves children. And that she's an amazing cook. And that she's always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. For this, I am truly grateful.

Last night, my husband and I went out to celebrate my sister-in-law's 40th birthday. It was late at night, during the kids' bedtime, and we ate at a really nice Greek restaurant in downtown Toronto called Volos. Who stayed behind to watch the kids? Grandma, of course. Even after running about all day, she was more than happy to take the kids off our hands for the night. They absolutely love sleeping over, too. I actually stopped by her place earlier on and watched Portugal face Germany as they battled for the Euro 2012 while the kids played with her dog. (I think I even dozed off for a half-hour at some point.) After Portugal's disappointing loss, I went home and decided to take advantage of the empty house and actually did some cleaning. Yes, I vacuumed, I mopped, I tidied. I also folded laundry, I showered, I did my hair. None of which I would have accomplished had I needed to prepare dinner while mediating brother-sister clashes.

This morning, after sleeping in for an extra half hour or so, I was reminded about how fortunate I am to have my mother-in-law in our life. I sat up in bed, listening to the birds chirping through the window, and soaked up the peace and quiet that manages to allude me when the kids are up at 6:30 fighting over something or other. I managed to have an uninterrupted conversation with my husband, stop by the bank to get a new debit card to replace the one I had lost, and buy a couple of birthday gifts before picking up the kids and heading out to a pool party. I returned home to a clean(er) home, let out a sigh of relief and decided to dedicate this post to one of the most kind and selfless people I know. Thank heaven for grandmas.

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14 COMMENTS

  1. So often we read about 'horrible' mother-in-law stories - it's so nice to see one that's so positive. :)

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    1. I kid you not when I say that my mother-in-law is incredibly selfless and would do anything for us at the drop of a hat.

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  2. What's great is that you actually took time for yourself. As mothers, we seldom feel like we deserve "me time". Not only did you ask for help, you enjoyed it, too!

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    1. Thanks, Suzanne. I'm all for 'me time' but I hate to impose on anyone other than my husband. At least, not every time I want to take some time for me, you know?

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  3. What an uplifting and well-written post. A great reminder to be thankful for the people in our lives and the little things that bring us joy.

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    1. Thanks, Marianne. You know better than most how I tend to focus on the negative at times. I'm thinking the zen meditation must have had a positive effect on me...

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  4. Wonderful post! It reminds me of my mother who is the same. Unfortunately, she lives in Toronto and I'm across the Atlantic now..not very convenient! :)

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    1. Not convenient at all. Makes me appreciate that I only live about an hour away from my own mother...

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  5. This is so sweet - I don't have my Mom near me and my Gramma has passed on so I'm really touched by your post. Bless your Grandma :)

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    1. Thanks! This is my kids' paternal grandmother, my mother-in-law. And yes, bless her heart!

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  6. I just wish my mom lived closer. It would be nice to have a helping hand or good advice sometimes.

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    1. I know exactly what you mean. My mother-in-law is great but I still long for my mother. She lives over an hour away and doesn't drive.

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  7. Being a grandmother is one of the most joyous things that have happened to me. I lend a hand whenever I can, care for the grandkids when needed and act as taxi service when required. I take every chance I get to be with the grandkids, they have me heart and soul

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    1. Such sweet words, they're like poetry. Your grandkids are lucky to have you!

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