Joan Ganz Cooney | 03/15/2009 11:00 pm

Joan Ganz Cooney: The Gift of Family

In response to: What is the best present you have ever received?

The best present I ever received was from my stepdaughter, Holly, when she gave birth to Chloe, now 12. Holly encouraged and facilitated in every way my bonding with my granddaughter. When she knew I was coming by, she’d pump breast milk so that I could feed the baby and then rock her to sleep. Whenever she and her husband went away for a weekend or, sometimes, longer periods, the baby and her nanny stayed with us, or when we spent vacations in Florida, Chloe would come with us sometimes without her parents. Germaine once wrote, and it described perfectly those early years (and later ones too), when she wrote of caring for the infant girl of a friend. "Ruby lit up my life in a way that nobody, certainly no lover, has ever done. I was not prepared for the incandescent sensuousness of this small child, the generosity of her innocent love."

Read more about: Chloe, Family, Fashion, Gifts, Grandchildren, Grandmother, Lifestyle, Presents

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My present was very similiar to yours. My fourth child, Grant William, was born on my birthday, natural birth. I always say that no present could ever come close to Grant. His name Grant is my mothers maiden name and William is my fathers first name. My mother and I are also very close and she can’t get enough of the group. Grant by the way is the youngest and is currently nine.

By susan smith on 03/16/2009 9:51 am

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I feel the same way when I cared for my first grandchild, Maya. I was her caregiver when my daughter went back to work. Because we were together everyday, we have an unique bond between us. I don’t think that will ever be broken.

I now have Maya 4, and Cy 15 months. My younger daughter and her husband are trying for their lst one. She also lives very close to me, so she expects the same with her children. I can’t wait.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Winer

By Carolyn Winer on 03/16/2009 12:21 pm

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My grandson Joshua, now 20 months, is the best birthday present my daughter Ashley could have ever given me. My birthday is late June and Joshua mid July so - my birthday gift was a little belated, but truly worth the wait.

I, too, have been a primary caregiver, as my daughter works - and the bond Joshua and I have is very strong. I have always heard the "just wait until you are a grandparent" - but nothing can prepare you for the absolute joy when you are. I absolutely marvel every single day at how bright and how loving he is. My daughter Ashley, I am sure, showed these same characteristics as a baby and toddler, but I think when you are a young parent - you, unfortunately, are just so busy as to be able to stop and enjoy the moment. Grandchildren are wonderful gifts!

By cyndi tompkins on 03/16/2009 6:59 pm

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I too have a Grant. He was my Mother’s Day’s present 27 years ago this May…and every year after that. He will never understand how much he really means to me. My oldest son Jason was my early Christmas present. He was born on Pearl Harbor Day. He hated that day for years and now that he is 30 I wish I courl "grant" him his wish of taking the entire family to Pearl Harbor to witness the history. My boys…my gifts..Lori

By Lori Thorson on 03/17/2009 4:18 pm