I have 8 grandchildren. I became a grandmother for the first time at 28. My husband is fifteen years my senior and had four children before we met. I had one. So we are a blended family. But his children are my children and my child is his. And his children's children are my grandchildren. I love them no differently than I would were they biologically mine.
Our oldest son's children, Easter 2021, Falcon far left
When our oldest and his oldest, a boy named Falcon, I became a grandmother with no name. He was born in the summer in Dallas. They had moved there for her to be close to her mother. I was slowly waking when my husband rubbed my shoulder. I rolled over and opened my bleary eyes. On his phone was a close up photo of Falcon's face. What a sweet face!!! He was here and he was healthy. We were thankful.
My husband decided he would be called "GDaddy" because he was too young (43) to be a "grandpa". I was asked what Falcon would call me. I said, "He will decide. Give him time." I was unsure of what my name should be anyway in this blended family. I was sure Falcon would come up with a way to identify me.
Shortly after his birth they moved back to this area. Our oldest and Falcon's mother split up, common in young relationships. And they were young, just 18. But life happens and you adjust and adapt.
Time went by, our oldest met his now wife of ten years, and they continued adding to their family. We saw Falcon frequently, and they even stayed with us for a time. I loved having them with us. It was nice to get to know them better. I still had no name.
When Falcon was about a year and a half old we were visiting my sister-in-law in rural northwest Tennessee. It was a big gathering and most of our children and hers were there. It was a beautiful fall day. I was standing outside talking to my sister-in-law in the sunshine. I began hearing toddler noises. Falcon was near, playing. I was trying to wrap up our conversation so I could go play with him. The noises for attention kept getting louder. I turned to look at him, he was standing near a pumpkin almost his size in her yard. As I turned to give him my full attention he stomped his foot and said, "Giga! Here!"
That was it. I had a name. And it was a name I likely never would have thought of myself. And I instantly loved it. Unique, like my place in this blended family, and yet endearing.
I went to him and hugged him, and he showed me what was so important I needed to see. I don't remember the rest of the day but I remember that moment clearly. And I'm sure I always will.
And that is how I am and forever will be called Giga. I even have a cup with my name on it!
Be well, y'all.
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