Groundhog Day Blessing

I’ve never followed the antics of Punxsutawney Phil, but 23 years ago, Groundhog Day took on a whole new meaning for me.  I was living and working in Savannah, GA, anxiously awaiting the birth of a Granddaughter.  This would make me a first-time granny and give me the new title of “Mimi.” 

I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I had been a mom for 24 years, but being a Grandmom would be different.  New parents have their way of doing things, and I didn’t want to interfere, but I still wanted to shower much love on this new life and be the best Mimi I could be.

I was raised by grandparents who had to be the disciplinarians, so the fun-loving things that grandparents are noted for were not a part of my growing up.  I could see that figuring out my role was getting complicated.

Well, it was so much easier than I ever imagined.  When Morgan was born, I discovered that “being there” was most important; holding her, cuddling her, making her laugh, tickling her toes, having her fall asleep on my chest, and just breathing in that new baby smell was the essence of life itself.

When she was a toddler, I made clothes for her  – red capes, cute dresses but as she got older, I bought her outfits that looked like me – leopard sweaters, fur jackets because, after all, she was a mini-me.

I valued every opportunity I could spend with her and still do to this day.  After 23 years, I still love the sweet warmth of her hugs; I love her kindness, outlook on life, and the energy she radiates when I am around her.

I have hundreds of photos, but this is one of the favorites I received during my deployment to Iraq.  The title of the picture is “Morgan Loves Mimi BJ.”  And that, my sweet girl, is returned ten-fold as Mimi BJ sure does love you.

So, Punxsutawney Phil, I don’t celebrate your shadow event, but I do celebrate my own Groundhog Day blessing.  Happy Birthday, Morgan!