Children of my Children
11:01 PM
"Children of my children" is a euphemism I use in jest when referring to my grandchildren. It may appear a misnomer as I have only one married daughter but it isn't, since I consider her husband my son as well. The word grandchildren is so aging, I sometimes avoid using it just to make believe that I have not become that ancient not only in number but in experience as well. I never quite understood then why my own mother insisted on being called "Nanay" instead of "Lola" by my own children. Now I think I have an idea when my grandchildren started calling me "Mama". Blame it in part to female vanity but I offered no objections.
Regardless of our "pretensions" in terms of endearment, there is nothing pretentious about my love for them. How can I not love the extensions of who I am whether or not I am forced to "age" faster than my time? I sometimes indulge in the thought that they could have been born in a much better time and situation but quickly cut myself realizing that different circumstances may mean a different set of children. I cannot imagine not having them here, now that I have experienced loving them.
My Say
They are like my two younger children in age that is why it is sometimes difficult to make any distinction between them in treatment. When they are in our home, they follow the same rules as my children and given the same privileges. In truth, I use the term "children of my children" more often to emphasize the deep connection that exists between them and myself. They are an unmistakable part of me and I am truly grateful for having the chance to see the extensions of my life this early.
That said, these children are perfect as they are in my eyes in spite of our imperfections and the imperfections of our situation. They will always be the children of my children.
12 comments
Maybe in the future, the term Lolo and Lola would no longer exists as people have shifted to other terms like mama and papa for grandparents instead.
ReplyDeleteThis is something new. People have become so creative with how we would like to be referred these days. I remember my neighbors who would like to be called "mommyla and daddylo" instead of the usual. Yet, just the same I believe that the names go with just one word "LOVE".
ReplyDeleteLOL just like my sister she is called mommy instead of auntie or Tita and I am called Mama by my kids. Hehehe iba na talaga panahon ngaun.
ReplyDeleteI hardly hear any lolo and lola nowadays, even with my nephews and nieces they call my parents the same as ours "nanay " and "tatay" din..
ReplyDeleteSo it appears that the practice of using other terms of endearment for grandparents is fairly common. That's a relief!
ReplyDeleteWell yeah there's that mental image of a kindly old lady whenever someone says "lola" hehe. But I think that's changing since women nowadays are more into taking care of their looks than the previous generations.
ReplyDeleteI call my lola 'mommy'. Haha!
ReplyDeleteI remember once when I visited my grand uncle and called him lolo, he jokingly told me "call me tito like your mom." It may seem to be a case of denial, but come to think of it, it gives them that feeling that they are not that old and that they still have the strength to do things that they want.
ReplyDeleteI made my nephews and nieces call me Ate isntead of Tita. Especially my elder nephews since I'm only 9-10 years older than them. Hahaha!
ReplyDeleteMy mama on the other hand made them call her Mama instead of Lola. :))
Seems like many people are in denial like me ha ha!
ReplyDeleteI think having grandchildren is something that is fulfilling when we age as you see your grandchildren hugs and kisses you. Children are the music in our house - my mom always say that when kids are around :).
ReplyDeleteThis is a little late coming. Read the post, saw the accompanying picture early this week but just couldn't compose my thoughts outright to drop a comment.
ReplyDeleteHow fast they've grown! So adorable! No wonder their mom is working really hard - the things she does and continually goes through for them.
I'm sure its a heartwarming experience loving the children of your children.
Let us know what you think