Grilled Grandma: Deanna

How many children do you have? One

How many grandchildren? Two

What are their ages? 7 and 10

Any great grandchildren? No

What do your grandchildren call you? Nanny

Other than the initial elation, what was your first concern upon hearing you would be a grandmother? The day my grandmother died was the same day I found out I was going to become a Grandmother myself … I cried with sadness one moment and then tears of excitement the next moment … Bitter/sweet.

How often do you get to see your grandchildren? Once a month.

What is the best thing about being a grandma? Everything! No matter what you do, they think you are perfect! Love it!!!!!

What is the most challenging part of being a grandma? Finding the time to travel to another state to see them.

Describe a recent time that one (or more) of your grandchildren made you laugh out loud. After my book “Addie's World” was published I sent Adriana a book. She called me after reading it and said, “Nanny, this the best book I have ever read!!!” I burst into laughter and said, “Of course it is, the book is about you!!!!” What a hoot!

What is your favorite thing to do with grandchildren who visit your house? I am a photographer and enjoy dressing them up in old hats, putting antique jewelry on them and doing photo shoots. 

What is your favorite thing to do when visiting grandchildren at their house? Taking them out to eat and shopping.

How do you maintain the bond between yourself and your grandchildren between visits? Phone calls and e-mails.

What do you most want to pass along to your grandchildren? Enough love to last them a life time.

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

What is one thing you wish you had learned earlier as a grandparent? Actually during their earlier visits to our home I thought we needed to take them places continuously to make them happy. I learned later they were content just to be here with us at our home. We wore them out traveling about!!!! Wore myself out as well!!! 

What one bit of advice would you give a new grandma? ENJOY! ENJOY! ENJOY!!!!!

Deanna’s book, “Addie’s World,” can be found on YouTube, at Barnes & Noble, and on Magic Blox.