Grilled Grandma: Mary

How many children do you have? 4

How many grandchildren? What are their ages? I have 4 grandchildren.  
David 8
Sarah 7
Ann 7
Kyla 6

Any great grandchildren? 0

What do your grandchildren call you? Grandma

After the initial elation, what was your first concern upon hearing you would soon be a grandmother? My first concern was spend enough time with my new grandparent and bonding with them because my children live across the country from me.

How often do you get to see your grandchildren? Three to four times a year.

What is the best thing about being a grandma? The hugs and kisses from my grandchildren.

What is the most challenging part of being a grandma? Knowing that when I visit them I will have to say goodbye.

Describe a recent time that one (or more) of your grandchildren made you laugh out loud. My granddaughter Kyla recently put on her mother's high heels and evening dress and was prancing through the house singing at the top of her lungs oblivious to the fact of how funny it looked to us adults.

What is your favorite thing to do with grandchildren who visit your house? We love going for walks, going to the park and stopping for ice cream cones.

What is your favorite thing to do when visiting grandchildren at their house? I love to take them out for an "outing" and give their parents a break and time to spend together.

How do you maintain the bond between yourself and your grandchildren between visits? I try to talk to them on the phone as much as possible.

What do you most want to pass along to your grandchildren? That I love them unconditionally and that I want them to do pursue whatever they dream to be possible.

What is one word you hope your grandkids think of when they think of you? Loving

What is one thing you wish you had learned earlier as a grandparent? I want to treasure every moment with them as the time I spend with them seems to short.

What one bit of advice would you give a new grandma? I advise a new grandma to do whatever you can to be there to help support both your children and your grandchildren.

Do you have a website or blog? I have a website that I work on as a co-editor promoting senior lifestyle activities and interest as well as a helpful review on medical alert systems.  Unfortunately I do not have a web site devoted to my grandchildren.