My mother-in-law can do no wrong, at least not in the eyes of my two-year-old. To my daughter, Nanny is a hero, a saint, a model of perfection. When Nanny’s around, there’s no one else who will do – whether the need is comfort for a boo-boo or soothing to sleep.
For my part, I stand in the wings and smile, chasing off the demon that whispers to me of my inadequacy. I’m a Grandma’s Girl too, so I relate. There are worse people she could admire and follow; in fact, I would say there are few better.
And besides, wouldn’t I love to have Nanny rub my back to soothe me to sleep, or have her cuddle up and rock me when I’m crying, or have her rescue me from the dangers of the world?
Apparently I was the same way about MY Nanny. (We also called her Nanny, by the way. Must be something with the name.)
Until I was at least 9 years old I would tell anyone & everyone that when I grew up I was moving in with Nanny.
I had no idea how much that insulted Mom!
I never did move there but I visited as often as I could. I sure do miss her.
unoh, I must agree. You can see Nanny’s halo from here in the deep south! The girls miss her terribly…and so do I!
I usually smile and nod when I realize that the kids want Nanny and not me…they still love me, just want Nanny right now. 🙂
My grandma has been like a second mother to me my whole life. I sometimes have to bite back a little jealousy when my kids lavish Nana with kisses and try to coerce her into overturning time-outs, but when I think about what an influence my grandma has been on my life, it makes it a little easier.