Please go to
Candy Hearts and watch Kaelyn's Wheels to understand this post.
I was present at Kaelyn's birth. I had been in a long day's training on the Incident Command System, when I received a call from Wendy stating that she thought she was in labor. About eight-nine hours later, Kaelyn made her entrance in to the world. I was exhausted and ecstatic. Although I did not want to, I had to get back to work to deliver DOT, (Daily Observed Therapy) to an active TB patient. I needed to be back to work for my 8:00 AM medication administrative time. I attempted to call work to request the time off so, I could remain with Wendy. Unfortunately for me, it was close to the Christmas holiday. There was no one available to assume my responsibility. Without sleep in over 32 hours, I traveled the two hour drive back to work. I delivered the medicines to my patient in the same clothes as I had the day before.
Shortly thereafter, Wendy, Addy and Kaelyn came to live with me so that Jason could look for a home in AZ and start his new job. They were with me for a little over six weeks. Although, I was tired from working, Addy had just newly been diagnosed with T1D, Wendy was exhausted from caring for a newborn, and my mom required attention and care, we all survived the close confines of a 1300 sq ft condo in the middle of the mid-Atlantic winter. We spent many joyful days together snugly, but happily.
One of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life was to bundle up Wendy with two children under age two, and send her off to her unknown life in AZ. This was the first time that Wendy and I had ever been separated for more that an hour's drive. For weeks, I felt like my heart was being pulled from my chest. I cried for hours on end at the painful separation. Although, during this difficult time, I had accepted that the move was best for Wendy and her family. I felt peace in my heart that this move was a correct one. It has proved more so than I ever could have imagined. This separation, even though difficult, has turned out to be God inspired.
Kaelyn was two months old when she flew off to AZ. Since then, I have only seen her twice. Once for a few days after her second birthday, and again when she was 2 1/2 years old. For a Gma, this is the pits! Moreover, this cannot be changed. I continue to be a full time working girl, and I have the wonderful joy of caring for my 88 year old mother who can not travel. Wendy can not come to me for many of the same reasons.
So, Wendy and I have kept each other abreast of each of our lives with prayer, blogs, email, and cell phones. In doing this, our relationship has grown and we have become closer as a Mother and Daughter. God has blessed us.
I am so happy to live in the day of You Tube for is is through this medium that I am able to experienced the trill of Kaelyn's first 2 wheel ride and Maya's first pedal. I experienced this in much the same way as I did watching Addy's first 2 wheel ride. For me, it is thrilling to see my little granddaughters, growing well and happily.
For a far away, lonely Gma, this is a blessing. Every time I hear the song, I Will Be Home for Christmas, a lump grows in my throat and the tears start rolling. Although, not for long. For I know that soon Wendy will post another video. Again, I will feel like I am just around the corner instead of 2500 miles away.
I give thanks everyday for my wonderful daughter who takes time out of her timeless day and offers her Mother deliverance from the bottom of Gma dispair. I love you, Sweetheart. Thank you so much. You have been a gift since your very first breath, Merry Christmas.
