Being Crowned with Grandchildren

by Tammy Phillips
July 9, 2023

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged.” (Pro 17:6 ESV)

A friend of a friend posed this question, and statement:  “If you could make only one more trip, where would be your destination?  Heaven is not an option.”  A week ago, I probably would have  said the Maldives but today, my emphatic answer would be Germantown, Tennessee. 

Last week, we were abundantly blessed with the most amazing, incredible gift, our first GRANDson.  Our family and friends with  grands tried to warn us.  Honestly, we heard them but could not believe that anything could come near the love we have for our two sons and their wives.  WRONG!!!  It is a different love. Even after multiple warnings, it really took me by surprise.

Remember that first-love feeling? Remember the undeniable connection, the spark, the electricity that flowed between you and yours when you first began to fall in love?  It was an indescribable love, energy, and elation. All you could think of was your love. I was in this state.

The day after our grand was born, we visited, he and his parents in the hospital. We brought them breakfast.  I threw it at them and went to scoop up baby Jack. Normally, I would have at least plated and served it to my first born and his bride, but not today!   I entered Lala Land as soon as I walked into the room.  I had to get my hands on Jack.  They were so gracious and let me hold him for a few hours.  I was so greedy and stingy.  I only let my husband enjoy our bundle of joy a for a very few minutes of the early morning visit.

I was undone. I was amazed at the perfection of God’s creative gift and found myself breathless. My heart was so full to overflowing with love for this little package of completeness that I couldn’t help but pour forth a multitude of happy tears.  I was speechless in his presence, but knew I was ultimately resting in the presence of God and one of His finest works.

We sadly had to leave, give our kids their rest time, and his other grands time to bask in the joy of Jack.  As we exited the hospital, we met Aunt C at the door.  She exclaimed that she just could not stand being away from our little miracle any longer.  I know Uncle P and Aunt CP  feel the same. 

Afterwards, I dropped my husband off  to do a little work.  I THOUGHT I would hit a few of my favorite stores.  There was one problem.   I was still in Lala Land with my noggin in the clouds.  My “Jack crown” was so weighty that I felt intoxicated.  I was so full  of grandparent juice; I could only speak  “grandparentese.”   I walked in and out of seven of my favorite stores. The feeling would not depart.  I was “Jack drunk” in love, could only talk Jack,  and  proudly wear my Jack crown. Nothing else mattered.  My husband was proud  to hear my delirium had only allowed me to  purchase a couple of cases of diapers and water.  I could think of nothing but Jack.

I journeyed back to our room, awaited our dinner visit with JEP, and attempted to process how I was going to function with my new crown.   I am still trying to figure that one out. 

 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him (Psalm 127:3 NLT). However, there is NOTHING like being a grand!

I encourage “you and your children and grandchildren to fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life.” [Deu 6:2 NLT].  As a grand, I have learned to take this verse very seriously.  I wear my crown with pride and infinite joy, but I know it comes with great responsibility to teach our grands.  We are charged to instruct  our kids and their kids to fear the Lord, which means to be in awe of Him and to live amazed by Him each and every day.  I chose my grand name, “Lala,” to remind me of my new assignment.  It is an acronym for Living amazed, living amazed!  I am crowned, as well as Jack’s Big Kris, Cici, and Pop.  I know I can speak for all the Grand’s, we take our duties very seriously.  We will also encourage Jack to love the LORD our God with all his heart, all his soul, and all his strength.   We will repeat God’s word again and again to our children and grands. We will talk about them when we are at home and when we are on the road, when we are going to bed and when we  are getting up. [Deu 6:5, 7 NLT]  (“Yep, J.E.P. Just Exactly Perfect, you are our new all-consuming assignment. We love you to infinity and beyond!”- Lala)

Viva Magenta (and today, Azure): Live. Breathe. Be…crowned with grands.
It is the best!