Older Adult, First-Time Grandparents: Interview with Frances Shani Parker (Baby Video)

New Grandparents Mitch and Lonnetta White with Amelia

Becoming grandparents for the first time can be quite spectacular, especially for older adults. My friends Lonnetta and Mitch White recently began this wonderful journey just in time for Grandparents Day on September 9th. Their contagious excitement over the birth of "Miss Amelia" prompted me to feature them on this blog. Not surprisingly, they were eager to share their pride, joys, concerns, and expectations in this interview.

1) What were your thoughts as you anticipated the arrival of your first grandchild?

Lonnetta

I have/had feelings of extreme happiness, joy, and excitement!

My thoughts were fantasies of how wonderful it is going to be to love and spoil a grandchild the way I was loved and spoiled by my paternal grandmother.

Mitch

I remembered the anticipated arrival of my son. Of course, in those days we didn’t know if we were having a girl or boy. The imaging technology simply hadn’t gotten that far. But I was there in the delivery room and had the privilege of seeing Amelia when she emerged from the delivery room. What a wonderful opportunity!

2) How did you feel during the first days after Amelia was born?

 Lonnetta

I felt proud and on top of the world. I was also pleased that she was FINALLY here healthy and absolutely gorgeous! I felt blessed to see, hold, kiss, cuddle, and in all ways experience my granddaughter.

Mitch

I was elated, in wonder of this child who came here with her eyes wide open.

3) What do you love most about this new chapter in you life?

Lonnetta

Life is good! Optimism is a constant companion and more easily accessible. My existence has given me a new lens through which I view the world. Every time I think of her I find myself smiling!

Mitch

She’s been here before!

4) Grandparents are an important influence in their grandchildren’s lives. How does Amelia influence your life?

Lonnetta

I brag incessantly. I now have a subscription to a magazine on parenting. In addition, I read all articles about babies and parenting. I want to do all that I can to help her to be the best at whatever it is she wants to be.

Mitch

I am the proud grandpa who never loses an occasion to show the latest picture or video of Amelia.  She’s the most observant child I have ever seen. I just want to be called Grampa, not Grandpa, but simply Grampa.

8)    What advice do you have for other grandparents in making their grandparent journey successful?

Lonnetta

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your precious little ones! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Encourage and support them in their endeavors to become happy, successful adults.

Mitch

I’m too early in this wonderful adventure to offer advice to others, but I do know that, whether you’re raising a child or supporting your grandchildren, it’s extremely important to show them love by attending to their needs, teaching them to share, and helping them to grow beyond themselves. Right now, Amelia is understandably egocentric. The world is her oyster. Getting her in another structured environment is the next step towards preparing her to interact with the world. She’ll be ready sooner than we think. She’s been here before.

Lonnetta and Mitch, thank you so much for your insightful responses to these questions on grandparenting. Happy Grandparents Day! Of course, our interview would not be complete without Amelia having her say. Welcome to the world, Amelia!

   Another Wonderful Grandchild! Welcome to the World, Emory!

Mitch

Emory's parents (Angie and Pops (Mitch, II) told us of the probable arrival of a new child in June 2015 while we were helping Miss Amelia celebrate her third birthday. We were all extremely excited. But I am Old School and did not want to know the sex of the new baby until Angie gave birth. I felt the same way when she was pregnant with Amelia. Someone let the secret out.

We wanted to be there at her birth just as we were when Amelia was born. But another set of grandparents who were not there when Amelia was born had their turn. Lonnetta and I were introduced to Emory when she was two weeks old by Amelia. It was very clear that Amelia was Emory's big sister. We witnessed the beginning of a bond that only gets stronger (in spite of the occasional sister tugs of war).

Lonnetta

I was surprised to learn that our daughter-in-law was pregnant and happy to know that another grandchild was on the way. Since becoming Nana (my first choice was Granny), I am consumed with a desire to nurture, please and satisfy. Becoming Emory's grandparent is a blessing. It is another opportunity to witness and contribute to the existence, development and maturation of a very special individual. 

Looking at Emory after she was born, I already knew I would do all I can to encourage her to be a proactive person who cares about improving society. I could already dream of her success in whatever field she chooses. I knew then that I wanted her to be a confident, independent and successful young woman. Emory's birth affirmed once again that children are God's gift to us. The miracle of meeting Emory was breathtaking. 

Amelia and Emory

You can read more about Lonnetta, Mitch, Amelia, and Emory at this blog post: "Grandparent Journey: Older Adult Seniors"

Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
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