I can still remember the day that Dina shared the news that she was "with child". She was home in St. Louis from Ottawa to celebrate the graduation of her younger sister, Dara. She gave me a gift and a card - I don't specifically remember what the card said, but it alluded to the fact that I would be a grandma. When I finally "got it" - it takes me awhile - I remember screaming like a crazy lady in the kitchen. Nothing could have made me happier! The thought that my own daughter was going to have a child of her own overwhelmed me. The baby would be due in January of 2002; already I was making my plans to be there for her birth.
In the coming months, we would see Dina a few more times; once for a baby shower and once for Thanksgiving (we had never been apart as a family for Thanksgiving so we all made the journey).
I had been saving quarters for my grandchild's baby bed so I can bearing that gift (about $60). What wild and bizarre things grandmothers do for the ones they love!
We did not see Josh and Dina for Christmas that year, so we patiently awaited news to "head north" fast! And this new little one decided to come early. My mother's husband was in the hospital with lung cancer and all the family was there awaiting Harry's imminent death. I knew Dina was in labor at this same time. I had received a call earlier. It was a difficult time - instead of watching my granddaughter enter the world, I was in a hospital room observing not a birth but a death.
But joy of all joys occurred that next day - ELIANA GRACE DINAKARAN had arrived!!! I was so thrilled when I heard she was a little girl. I began calling anyone I remotely knew! I was so proud!!!
Plans were made to leave for Ottawa directly after the funeral of Harry. A dear friend at the time, Gus Dodorico, had offered to drive me there. Off we went, Aunt Deborah and Grandma, to see Eliana. Excited to say the least, I received another phone call from Dina that next afternoon that Eliana possibly had a virus of some sort and was admitted into the hospital. The next few hours in the car were difficult. I went into worry mode! But once there, Deborah and I ran into the hospital to see Eliana.
She was precious beyond words. So perfect - so beautiful! One of my best memories of this time is to see little Deborah (10 at the time) hold Eliana. That picture is imbedded in my mind. And the other is the memory of holding my granddaughter for the first time - nothing could have been better.
Eliana was in the hospital for a few days (as best as my memory serves me), but for the next three weeks, Deborah and I would try to spend as much time possible with her. Although, I must say for Deborah, to be by Dina was Deborah's ultimate desire. Deborah worshipped her sister! I remember this visit, and subsequent visits for the birth of Dina's other children, with sweet memories as well as the thought that always nagged at me - I must go home at some point and leave the ones that I love behind. We had such fun together, whether it was watching a movie on Dina and Josh's bed or playing cards with Josh - trying to beat him at rummy. (A sidenote here - Josh always made us feel welcome; he never made us feel like we were intruding.:) But there came that day that we would have to return to our life in St. Louis.
I remember one evening in particular going into Eliana's room, picking her up and just rocking her back and forth. I remember these words "I love you Eliana; I will miss you but I promise to pray for you every day." Tears flowed while I held her (as they are now), but I knew that this young lady would become very special to me! And that she is today!!!!
I had a wonderful, loving grandmother in my past, Grandma Wing! She listened to me, talked with me, took me everywhere with her, boasted about me, etc. And I carry on that tradition today to the best of my ability! Even though we are far apart in distance, I feel we have a very special relationship! Eliana Grace - this is your day!!! Thank you for letting me be a part of your life; and thank you Josh and Dina for allowing me to barge in on your life as much as you do. Thank you both for giving me one of the joys of my life - ELIANA GRACE DINAKARAN!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELIANA!!!!!!!!!! The smartest, prettiest and sweetest 7 year old that I know:)
Love you sooooooooooo much,
Grandma (and Mom)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
It's January 7, 2009 already and I thought it was about time to write down my thoughts for the New Year. I've had 7 days to contemplate and reflect about what is important to me. God keeps impressing upon me this year to be the faithful servant to my Lord, the faithful wife to my husband, the faithful mother to all my children (even if they're grown) and a faithful daughter, sister and friend to those in my life.
I fail at all these things so often; you might as well put a big "L" on my forehead and be done with it. When God brings that one by my path to speak to, I keep my mouth shut. I cannot even keep up with my husband's laundry. I find myself doing and saying the very things I don't want my children repeating and having attitudes that don't reflect the One that is in me. I should call my mother more often and spend time with her, but my stubbornness and anger keep me from doing so. Being a sister and a friend to those in my life may cause me pain at times if I'm a faithful friend, but so often I am a people-pleaser instead of seeking to please God and bring my friends onto higher ground. The big "L" on my forehead belongs there for sure. But thankfully God has also been reminding me that I need Him in all these relationships. If I look to Him and not all the circumstances surrounding me, I can be faithful Recently, I've read the account of Peter walking on the water. Peter walked on the water and did not begin to sink until he took his eyes off the Lord and onto the circumstances (for Peter it was the wind). For me it's fear of what others will think, or just giving into my natural habit of being a human, forgetting Who actually lives in me! My desire this year is to reflect the One who lives in me to others! May they see something different in me this year. Many know I have been a Christian for years, but this year I want many close to me see that I am different from the past year!!! God is ABLE to take that big "L" off my forehead - He's the ONLY ONE!!!
I fail at all these things so often; you might as well put a big "L" on my forehead and be done with it. When God brings that one by my path to speak to, I keep my mouth shut. I cannot even keep up with my husband's laundry. I find myself doing and saying the very things I don't want my children repeating and having attitudes that don't reflect the One that is in me. I should call my mother more often and spend time with her, but my stubbornness and anger keep me from doing so. Being a sister and a friend to those in my life may cause me pain at times if I'm a faithful friend, but so often I am a people-pleaser instead of seeking to please God and bring my friends onto higher ground. The big "L" on my forehead belongs there for sure. But thankfully God has also been reminding me that I need Him in all these relationships. If I look to Him and not all the circumstances surrounding me, I can be faithful Recently, I've read the account of Peter walking on the water. Peter walked on the water and did not begin to sink until he took his eyes off the Lord and onto the circumstances (for Peter it was the wind). For me it's fear of what others will think, or just giving into my natural habit of being a human, forgetting Who actually lives in me! My desire this year is to reflect the One who lives in me to others! May they see something different in me this year. Many know I have been a Christian for years, but this year I want many close to me see that I am different from the past year!!! God is ABLE to take that big "L" off my forehead - He's the ONLY ONE!!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
One of my favorite things to do with my daughters is to shop; even grocery shop. Off to Costco with Deborah and Dina to buy our Thanksgiving turkey. My thoughts went back to the days when I would take my 4 little ones (sorry Debs you weren't around yet) to Aldi's for our weekly grocery shopping excursion. Mom was steering the cart with the four kids either alongside me or behind me. Today I watched from behind my two daughters as they went from aisle to aisle looking at what to throw in the cart next. They were like little girls - giggling and debating as siblings do. It was such a pleasant sight to behold! And as we sat and had the famous Costco "hotdog", Deborah and Dina fought over the straw of the soda they were sharing. They were each trying their limited french words on their mother; as they said "ma mere" I giggled to myself as to how silly they must have sounded to a true French Canadian. As we were exiting the store, I looked to my right to see Deborah had fallen to her knees. I'm not exactly sure what happened, but I think her older sister put her there. I was amused again, along with the lady in line behind us. Another opportunity to laugh occurred, and now I remember why I love to shop with my daughters!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
It's November 25th, 2008. 29 years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful 7 lb. 15 oz. baby girl - our second child, Dina Nicole Starr. I couldn't have been happier. Already a mother to 3 1/2 year old, Daniele Christine, I had wanted to have another child for quite awhile and this was the day! I awoke early in the morning and knew it was time to go to the hospital. Dick and I jumped into the car anticipating our child's soon arrival. But labor was slow; very slow! I remember it was deer season and football season - how's a girl to compete with that! My obstetrician was deer hunting and my sports fanatic of a husband was watching football. I was only in the midst of labor - no big deal. Dina wasn't due for 10 more days, and she was taking her time about entering the world.
The decision to induce labor was made. Shortly thereafter, my husband's game was interrupted and my obstetrician arrived on the scene in his plaid flannel shirt just in time to bring our long awaited miracle into this world. Ecstatic to say the least, I was so blessed to be a mother again. The next few weeks were heavenly. Having a newborn is one of my greatest joys. But big decisions loomed on the horizon; mainly, was I going to be a stay-at-home mom or continue in pursuit of my career of which there were great opportunities to be had. What to do; what to do?
As the time approached for me to return to work, I knew in my heart that I could not leave this little girl that I held in my arms. I couldn't fathom entrusting her to the care of another. Still, I faced a dilemma. In the professional world, I would probably receive accolades and praise for my achievements. How often would I be praised and viewed as successful by my peers for just "raising my children". Fortunately, Someone had a plan for me! In January of '79, the same year Dina was born, I had accepted Christ as my Savior. During my pregnancy, I believe God was changing my heart. My priorities in life began to change. No longer did I desire to focus on my career or lack thereof. I was being directed into my new career path - being a happy mother of children!
In January of 1980, the decision was made. With the loving support of my husband, Dick, I followed my new career path of motherhood. I was given that opportunity because Dick decided to pursue his own business in order to support his growing family. And to this day, I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity and have NEVER regretted it! Not one bit! God gave me three more little blessings after Dina - Dara, David and Deborah. They have truly been 5 of the greatest joys of my life. I am ever so thankful for them.
So needless to say, as I begin my blogging career, I want dedicate this article to Dina and to thank her for giving me the inspiration to begin putting my thoughts on paper for others to read. Dina, you've become a beautiful woman. And as I observe you in your home, you are truly a "happy mother of children." Happy Birthday, Dina! You are deeply loved!
And today, 29 years later after inspiration from my daughter Dina, I am starting my very own blog. And I thought I was supposed to be their teacher; was I ever wrong. All of my children have taught me much!
The decision to induce labor was made. Shortly thereafter, my husband's game was interrupted and my obstetrician arrived on the scene in his plaid flannel shirt just in time to bring our long awaited miracle into this world. Ecstatic to say the least, I was so blessed to be a mother again. The next few weeks were heavenly. Having a newborn is one of my greatest joys. But big decisions loomed on the horizon; mainly, was I going to be a stay-at-home mom or continue in pursuit of my career of which there were great opportunities to be had. What to do; what to do?
As the time approached for me to return to work, I knew in my heart that I could not leave this little girl that I held in my arms. I couldn't fathom entrusting her to the care of another. Still, I faced a dilemma. In the professional world, I would probably receive accolades and praise for my achievements. How often would I be praised and viewed as successful by my peers for just "raising my children". Fortunately, Someone had a plan for me! In January of '79, the same year Dina was born, I had accepted Christ as my Savior. During my pregnancy, I believe God was changing my heart. My priorities in life began to change. No longer did I desire to focus on my career or lack thereof. I was being directed into my new career path - being a happy mother of children!
In January of 1980, the decision was made. With the loving support of my husband, Dick, I followed my new career path of motherhood. I was given that opportunity because Dick decided to pursue his own business in order to support his growing family. And to this day, I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity and have NEVER regretted it! Not one bit! God gave me three more little blessings after Dina - Dara, David and Deborah. They have truly been 5 of the greatest joys of my life. I am ever so thankful for them.
So needless to say, as I begin my blogging career, I want dedicate this article to Dina and to thank her for giving me the inspiration to begin putting my thoughts on paper for others to read. Dina, you've become a beautiful woman. And as I observe you in your home, you are truly a "happy mother of children." Happy Birthday, Dina! You are deeply loved!
And today, 29 years later after inspiration from my daughter Dina, I am starting my very own blog. And I thought I was supposed to be their teacher; was I ever wrong. All of my children have taught me much!
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