I Am A Grandmother – Gabriel Turns 14

Nothing makes me more aware of the passage of time than watching my grandchildren grow up!  

Today we celebrate Gabriel’s 14^th birthday. Gabriel is the child of Michael (my second son) and Milli (my Hawaiian/Filipina daughter-in-love). 

2015 - End of School Assembly

He entered the world and joined our family on July 9, 2001.  This child was so wanted!  His parents tried every procedure known to medical science to conceive this miracle child and the entire family was at the hospital awaiting his birth! 

From his youngest days Gabriel has brought joy and laughter into our family and his parents have willing shared him so that Gabriel belongs to all of us.  From his youngest years he has been as "at home" in my house as in his house.   

From taking baths in my kitchen sink 

to building a skelton with Grandpa Jay

and later, building electronics, 

driving our golf cart, 

working on Mima’s computer, 

making Christmas cookies

and Thanksgiving Turkeys

giving Grandpa Jay golf pointers.

He has passed the years in all of our homes.

He is such an authentic boy.  He enjoys life and has the ability to be fully aware of the present moment.  Not pretentious, having no hidden agendas…he is who he is…and that is a delight to all of us.  He is not afraid to try new things, 

willing to risk a Spelling Bee,

participate in a school play.  

He expresses his talents singing at special events 

and playing hockey with his travel team.   

He is passionate about what he loves and what he loves most are his mom, his dad and the LA Kings!

He has a big heart...and is sensitive, caring and polite.  

Hugging a little boy at Lola's funeral

Receiving special award!

He has passed “family baby” honors to his new little cousin, Gino.   

He will be a wonderful “big hero” to him, showing him how to be a member of our wonderful family.

And as I celebrate the gift of this grandchild with pride and admiration, I cannot help feeling a tiny sense of nostalgia and loss, for that spontaneous little boy who would run into my arms. 

Little “GabeyGabe” wants to be called “Gabe.”   He is his own person now.  When I try to help him or remind him of something he just gives me “the look” and says… “Mima…I got it!”  

Yes, you do, Gabe.  You have got it and the world is getting ready for you.  You are 14 today and you are so loved and cherished by all of us!