A GRANDBABY and Caleb turns 18...yes, 18!!!!!

     I am going to be a grandmother. James is going to be a grandpa. Caleb is going to be an uncle. My precious baby girl is having a baby of her own. I am going to be a member of the Grandparent's Secret Club. For the past 10 years or so, I have watched my friends become grandparents. I have ached for a grandchild. I never put any pressure on Ryan as I really wanted her to be ready to be a parent. The job of parent is full of joy and love, but it is also very tough on a young mother. Especially if the young mother has to work outside of the house. In the past 4 years or so, I have seen Ryan marry, divorce and become engaged to the father of my grandbaby, Jonathon. Ryan and Jon had been planning a March 2013 wedding in Las Vegas, and had even sent out "save the date" cards. Well, that Vegas wedding is not happening. By then, Ryan will be 6 months pregnant and unable to fly, we are pretty sure. So in the next month or so, Jon and Ryan will be married at the little log chapel that we all attend every Sunday. Our pastor will marry them and we will celebrate in a small but very special way.
    And then we will wait....we will wait till the end of June, 2013 for this baby to appear. At this point, I am not sure who is more excited...James, Ryan, Jon, or me....oh, wait...I know who is the most excited...Caleb!!!!! He has already bought the baby it's first lovey, which is so soft and silky. He can't wait for this precious little baby to get here. It is going to be a long 8 months, waiting for the arrival of our angel.

     And speaking of angels, my angel boy will be 18 years old tomorrow. I can't believe he is going to be 18. I know everyone always says "it seems like just yesterday that I had him" and "enjoy him while you can for he won't be little long". I want him to "be little" for a whole lot more time. Caleb has been such a joy to me, and of course, to his daddy. He has made me a better person. He has taught me what unconditional love, extreme strength of character and what grace is all about. He faces obstacles every single day, but he keeps on keeping on. He never, never, never, ever gives up. I wish I had his faith in God. He shows me every day what life is really all about. He steps up to the plate when his daddy is out of town, and he is a fine "man of the house". He is brave and strong in ways I can only imagine, and he has been my hero for the past 18 years. He loves his family with his whole little heart, and he takes great pride in being" just like his Gandad". He and my dad could have been twins. I truly believe that my daddy's soul is right there inside Caleb. My dad was the greatest man I have ever known, and Caleb is patterning his life after my dad's life.
     James and I feel blessed by our children and "soon to be" grandchildren. Thank you, God, for giving these two children to me...I needed them.