A Grandmother's prayers answered

By Ruthe

To be a grandmother is so wonderful, especially when your dream becomes real. The world we live in today can be a nightmare for some of our children, and unfortunately many are falling through the cracks. In my opinion, these children need our attention and support, not jail. Our system is flawed, and our younger generation is paying the price so that certain greedy people can become millionaires with their drugs on the streets. Many innocent young people in need of money, unaware of what lies ahead for them, are vulnerable and can't resist the temptation. What a sad day when they're arrested for drug addiction, and taken into custody, away from their parents for years. These pitiful children, someone's grandchildren, are doomed, and many never make a comeback. They often become hardened criminals, and their potentially bright future is forever lost.

I'm so fortunate to be the grandmother of 6 beautiful grandchildren. Just this month I became a great grandmother for the first time...a healthy, bouncing 7 lb. 13 oz. baby boy named Michael Benjamin, my first grandson's child. My grandson, Benjamin, has brought me much happiness, not only for our new baby, but because of the good choices he has made throughout his life. Many temptations were there for him as he was growing up in the psychedelic 70's, but his home training gave him the strength and conviction to just say "no" to drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol. Today he is a fine young man, a TV producer in Seattle, ready to start a new family life with his beautiful wife, and now a fine young son to teach and to care for. Great Grandma is convinced that "little Michael" will have the very best care, and will follow his daddy's lifestyle.

My second grandson Matt, a bright young man of great character, started his own high technology company right after he graduated from college five years ago. He sold his business for millions of dollars to a major corporation a little over a year ago. Soon after that, this grandma received a call from this grandson telling her that he's now in a financial position to do something for her -- fulfilling a promise he said he made to her when he was seven years old. One of the biggest shocks of my life started with that phone call. I'm now living in a gorgeous, beautifully furnished new home on a lake surrounded by swaying palms, with a large screened-in swimming pool, and in a wonderful neighborhood. My new home is only two minutes away from my daughter and her family. What a wonderful gift this grandson has bestowed upon me -- I don't know how I can ever thank him, all I can say is, "I've been touched by an angel," and I am truly blessed.

I've been a single working mom since my children were very young. It was difficult, but I feel I did well raising them, and they have made me a very proud mother...especially the way they chose to raise their children, my grandchildren. The two young men I've already introduced you to belong to my son Michael. They all live in Seattle. Michael has two younger sons as well, Max and Mitchell. They are still in grade school, and are involved in many sports and school activities. I'm sure they'll be grow up to be great citizens too.

I also have a delightful daughter, Lynn. She and her husband have two children, a daughter and a son. They are also very special to me, and give me great pleasure. My granddaughter, Jill, just graduated from college with a degree in English this past spring, and has now left the nest, moving to Seattle to pursue her writing and editorial career. She is doing very well in a new position with a major high tech company there. She's starting a new life on her own -- needing all kinds of things to fill her new apartment. She'll do fine, a beautiful young, intelligent person with high esteem, and a very good head on her shoulders.

The last one is my grandson, Dax, who lives nearby. He has certainly come a long way in his 22 years. He is an accomplished musician, songwriter and producer. Dax recently returned from a two year world tour, as a keyboardist for the famous pop vocal group *NSYNC. He now owns and operates his own music production company in Orlando. Dax was always interested in music as a child -- he became a World Champion piano player at age 10, and kept moving up that ladder. Dax is currently working on a big music project for an educational publisher. He's writing and producing songs that will help children throughout the country in Kindergarten through Grade Six learn Grammar, Math and Social Studies facts. And, he still cleans my swimming pool every week!

Well, you can see why I selected my title -- my grandchildren have answered my prayers, and I am a very happy and proud grandmother. Each one of them has been given the love, care and encouragement to grow into their own special person. They are all quite different, yet the same in their strength of character, integrity and work ethic. I wish all children were " fortunate enough to have this kind of support and nurturing. I know there would be far less crime in the world. God has certainly been good to me. Thank you, and God Bless.

Ruthe