I watched with anticipation as the baby inside my daughter began to grow. I counted the days until I would become a grandmother. I was forty-three, all my children were grown and now my oldest daughter was blessing me with my first grandchild. A plethora of emotions took root inside my heart as her belly grew bigger each day. I was excited, overcome with joy, and tense with fear...

The same fear gripping me twenty-four years ago when I was pregnant with her made its way back into the crevices of my heart, mind, and soul.

Her pregnancy was marred from the beginning with trepidation, tension, and trouble. She had left home two months before becoming pregnant and I had no clue where she was or even if she was all right. I worried myself sick with solicitude. I prayed everyday she would come home, but I knew I couldn't interfere, she was a grown woman and it wasn't my place to tell her what to do.

She was alone, like had been. I prayed the realization of the pregnancy would take over and she would call me. My prayers were answered seven months before my grandson was born. My daughter called me. “Mama, I'm pregnant. I want to come home. I need you.”

The emotional flood-gate to my soul opened and the tears wouldn't stop. I was overcome with feelings of well-being for my daughter and her unborn baby and contentment knowing they would have the protection of a safe harbor.

”Of course you can come home,” tears mingled through my words.

My husband and I made arrangements to go get her. I knew danger lie in wait for us. The man my daughter lived with was very dangerous, but at the present moment I didn't care; the lives of my
daughter and her unborn baby were in distress.

My “grandmother” mode kicked in and I wasn't about to be stopped. I prayed for guidance and wisdom before we left, “Lord, give me strength and courage.” Not really knowing what we were walking into, I contacted the police to ease my apprehension and dread about the situation.

We were able, without incident to get her and my grandson away from the parlous situation and safely back home where she belonged.

Time passed quickly and it was time for my grandson's arrival into this world and into my life.

”Mom, it's time,” my daughter words labored.

I found myself wandering back in time. I could remember vividly the day my daughter was born, how my mom was there for the birth of her first grandchild and how blessed I was to be able to be there for the birth of my first grandchild. Words couldn't really stand-in for what emotions I felt.

”Thank you Lord,” was all I could say.

My grandson arrived on Saint Patrick's Day; a “true” gift from God. Between my tears and my daughters, I thanked the Lord for gracing me with the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. Of course I am biased!

Six years have gone by, my daughter and grandson still live with us. I count my blessings everyday and honored God graced me the title of grandmother.

© 2009 Debra Ann Elliott