My Most Precious Treasure

The day I had been waiting for was finally here, October 8, 1992.  My daughter called to announce she’d just given birth to a baby boy. 

It had seemed forever before I got to the hospital.  When my daughter put in him in my arms, it was like we bonded in that moment.  I could hardly believe the rush of love I felt for this little bundle as I gazed down into his newborn face, so sweet, so innocent.  He was a gift from God.

My daughter and her husband soon moved to my town, and I was thrilled to be able to look after Mikel when my daughter went back to work.  Sometimes on the night shift and we had sleepovers.

As he grew the bond between us strengthened.  He was a sweet, loving little boy.  I loved doing things with him, reading to him, watching his shows on TV, going for walks, making cookies and all the things grandmothers do with their grandchildren.

It was strange, I always felt safe with him, even when he was a toddler, and I know he felt safe with me.

Through the years I cheered him on at soccer practice, took him to his swimming lessons, and later on guitar lessons.

It was a privilege to watch him grow into a fine young man. I would ask him, “Who is my bestest friend in the whole wide world and my most precious treasure?” He’d get a big grin on his face and say, “I am!”

In a few weeks, he will be 22 yrs. old and I often wonder where the years went, they flew by so fast. I hope I passed some wisdom to him. Mikel is my only grandchild and will always be my most precious treasure.