Sam the Sandman
He sleeps. My grandson Sam loves when grandma (that’s me) comes over to play and take care of all his needs while his parents go to work. My daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Matt, are both in Ministry. Sam just turned 1y/o and has a lot (and I mean a LOT) of personality. And, I might add, he is the cutest, sweetest, most adorable baby boy I’ve ever known. He brings all of us so much joy. And I’ve noticed that being a grandmother is definitely different from being a mother. I wonder why that is? We love our children so much, but there is something unmistakable about being a grandmother. It is a whole new dimension in love and bonding.
When I care for Sam, we play and have interesting conversations … and yes, he is listening and learning … but then, as soon as he starts rubbing his eyes, I know he is tired and ready for a nap. I take our little bundle of love in my arms and he sleeps.
When Sam plays, he will focus on a toy and try to see how it works, and I find it to be so interesting watching him trying to do new things and how he plays, or wiggles and claps to his favorite music (he loves Bluey, and he wiggles and claps at the beginning of each episode). He is a sweetheart and has completely stolen our hearts, and his curiosity is infectious.
When Sam gets tired, he will snuggle up in my arms, making comfort adjustments as necessary, and he’ll fall asleep … and he sleeps so well … and sometimes smiles in his dreams; but, he has no idea how his snuggles are healing to me. Having him close in my arms while he sleeps is comforting in so many ways. Loving, human contact, is good for one’s health and heart, and blood pressure too – literally. The world would be a much happier place if we could just love one another, be kind, and show compassion. Sometimes I’ll cry while observing Sam in his innocent play and become overwhelmed with the love and joy I feel, and also the concern I feel for his future as he experiences life and begins to understand the evil in this world. But, together we can show Sam so much love that hopefully it will protect him and comfort him when life gets tough.
When Sam is dreaming, he’ll give me a great big smile with his eyes closed, dreaming of his Mommy and Daddy, Grandma Fran and Grandpa Chuck, or Papa Bear and Mama Bear (that’s us), or his friend Oliver who comes to play sometimes, or his cousins and many aunts and uncles. Yes, Sam is surrounded by a lot of love, and it shows in his disposition and personality. Children who are loved and cared for and given the attention they deserve and need are so much happier and healthier. Can’t get enough of this little guy.
Sam’s Mommy is a Minister of Discipleship with a Masters in Divinity from Wake Forest University. She is brilliant in her love of God’s Word, and perspective and understanding of Scripture. And Sam’s Daddy is currently working on his Masters in Divinity as well, and is very much involved with the church and youth. Sam has a truly wonderful family in that his father also speaks Hebrew fluently and his mother speaks quite a bit of Hebrew as well, as do all the members of Matt’s (Sam’s father) immediate family, and have a history and journey with God’s Word that is remarkable. Sam’s Mommy and Daddy’s vast knowledge of the Scriptures in Christianity and of the Jewish faith is vast, and I know first hand that Sam will be educated with love, care, and compassion for his faith to grow and endure all that life brings his way.
As for Sam, I hope to have many years of being nap trapped and of being overcome with love and joy while snuggling with him, and all the grandbabies that will join us in this life.
Can you tell I’m a proud Grandma? There is nothing better!
