Parenting is a tough job. From the the daily grind of those difficult early years to the challenging and often stressful teen years, it is perhaps the hardest but also the most rewarding job there is. However, time passes and before you know it, children are grown and out the door…all four in my case! Eventually the circle of life begins again as babies are born to a new generation…. as it happened again for me two days ago when I became ‘Nana’ for the 9th time to a healthy baby boy.

I’m not sure how a 9 lb. bundle of joy can make the sun shine brighter and the worries of a caustic presidential election and the cruel hardships of the world melt into the background, but he has done just that. Becoming a grandparent brings us closer to our own offspring as they go through the same challenges and concerns we once faced, all enveloped by a shared pure love for their children.

Little number 9. Parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents are ready and waiting to be a part of his life and rearing very soon. We will be his role models, his teachers, his confidants, instilling kindness, respect for the environment, love of learning, and so much more. It does take a village….