"Our faces will become works of art that our grandchildren will treasure." -- Adriana Trigiani
I FINALLY understand what the fuss is all about. A lot of my friends have grandchildren and when they talk about them, their faces light up. Of course, I understood what it was all about but I never got to the point of knowing what it was all about. Well not until October 28, 2020, the feast of Saint Jude.
The day before that Raphael and Hazel had their check-up because the baby was due in two weeks, more or less. After the check-up they were advised to check in because the baby was coming. And so the rush, the excitement, the stress. I jokingly told Raphael, walang tulugan ito. But senior citizens do need their sleep. The following day we all waited. Raphael showed a picture of Hazel being wheeled into the birthing area. And we waited. After the online noon mass was done I checked my phone and our son Raphael proudly said that they were now parents.
Honestly, I just stared at the words. After a few moments, I thought one of our sons is now a father. Wow. Wow. Then a pause. Some time passed and then we got to see Martine Isabel for the first time. Again, just like the words, I just stared and stared. There are moments in life when words fall short. Only the beauty of the moment lingers.
It was only on November 3 when we finally got to see Marty( her nickname). In the pictures, she looked big but I was surprised at how tiny she was in real life. My eyes were focused on her dainty fingers and curled toes. I could not dare hold her so I just touched her head with my hand. And in the tumult and noise, it became suddenly quiet. Everything hushed. In that instant, it was only her and me. The world became even more real.
I really cannot explain grandchildren. Someone once joked that " the real reason why grandchildren and grandparents get along so well is that they have a common enemy." Well, that could be true but it still does not explain the magnitude of looking at your granddaughter for the first time.
It could be that our lives have come full circle. Or that we see our very own lives stretching out to the eternity of tomorrow. Or we realize that life is vibrant and no matter what happens, life does go on. Whatever it may be, it is grand.
New life is brought forth and with it a hope that sings its song. And whatever songs Marty sings I know it will light up our ancient and tired faces and cause us to be infants once more. And we shall remember what we have forgotten.
Welcome Marty. Welcome.