What is the greatest thing about being a grandparent?

Grandkids!!!!!!

Just hearing them call me "Nanna" has been such an awesome experience. I always thought raising my own 2 and 1 stepson was an experience that couldn't be topped, but grandkids is a whole new world!

You get to witness what your own kids experienced having you as a parent through their interaction with their own kids. Your children open their mouths and you hear yourself, your parents and grandparents . . . . right before you is a window into your past. It's an amazing thing to witness!

If you want to get to know me, I would start by telling you...

Born with the name Karen, but changed the spelling a few years ago (personal reasons) to Caryn. Raised in Old Bridge NJ, the oldest of 4. I have 2 living sisters, one who just became a Grandparent for the 1st time and the other with no children of her own (she loves being an Aunt though); and our brother went "home" back in 2002 after a very unexpected illness . . . he had a daughter and numerous stepchildren from 2 previous marriages. His daughter has since given birth to 2 sons. Family continues to grow!

I have been medically retired since 1981 - drunk driver hit-and-run accident. Even though I have numerous medical issues, I have still been able to completely enjoy the wonders of being a Nanna! Actually, I think being a Nanna is what helps me get through the tough times and I am always grateful having them in my life.

Two of those precious grandkids are not completely a part of my life after the divorce between my son and his ex-wife, who has since re-married and is about to give birth to a new child. My daughter has 3 kids from her 1st marriage and has recently given birth to a son from her current relationship . . . this has made for an interesting family structure with ex's and their new additions. And a separation from my husband had put a separation between my stepson and his kids but that is slowly being worked through and he adds 4 more grandkids to my life.

So life in my world is never dull . . . it was good to find a site for grandparents. . . . I have lot's of questions and comments to the modern way of family life. It's so different then life was when I was a child with my own grand and great grandparents . . . it will be good to be able to share knowledge and info with others going through similar (or not) situations in today's world of being a grandparent!