From the Heart
I raised two very busy children, both socially and athletically. Life was crazy … so I thought. Then my nest got empty and quiet. I wasn’t a fan of the peace and quiet.
In 1997 I became a grandmother. In 2014 I married Chuck. What a whirlwind ride it has been!
Keeping up with the sports schedules and activities with six of mine and four of Chuck’s grandchildren, in three states, is a mental and physical full-time job. But wait, I have a full-time job.
And so I juggle and even Grand Chuck has learned to juggle.
Sports is the main attraction for five of the 10. This starts with 16-year-old Emma in softball and golf in Tampa. Then 15-year-old Abby who plays traveling soccer and school soccer and basketball for Noblesville.
Jake is in the seventh grade at Noblesville East Middle School and plays baseball, football and basketball. Last year he even wrestled. Nine-year-old Aiden plays lacrosse, football and basketball in Tampa.
Five-year-old Leah made the Tampa gymnastics team and also plays soccer.
And then there are those times when we are “helping out.”
By helping out, I mean dropping off and picking up from practices. Showing up at games where the bleachers seemed to have gotten harder over the years. We find ourselves taking one of them to a friend’s after we stop at their house to change clothes, after they are fed.
There is always a “Grandma, I’m hungry” request. I know the favorite fast food places of each grandchild. All are different.
The real challenge is when Charles and I are in charge. We juggle cars, kids and equipment. Heaven forbid we show up with missing uniform pieces or equipment.
All have mastered changing clothes in the car.
For some reason it seemed simple when Brandon and Emily were little. I guess they lived with me and there were only two of them.
But you know what, I may get tired and feel challenged to keep it all straight, but I love it. I’ll speak for Chuck and say he loves it as well.
You may see Chuck and me at a game with his Hamilton Southeastern Royals seat pad and me with my Noblesville Millers seat pad, but we will be cheering on OUR grandchildren.
With 10, you are on a roll and learn to juggle … and then sleep well.