Grandparents

 2 weeks ago, we went to a Superbowl party at a friend's house. The guys were hanging out and one asked Shannon about our baby and her "grandparents".

Shannon then had to explain that both of his parents and my father are deceased, so our little girl will have just one grandparent, my mother. Our friend was so taken aback that Shannon has lost both parents and I had already lost my dad. Normally, people our age don't lose our parents that young.

Shannon's story breaks my heart into million little pieces. When Shannon was 18, his beautiful mother passed away from colon cancer. Then on Memorial day 2005, his dad also passed away from  cancer. About 4 months later, my father passed away from cancer. While talking about my dad is very therapeutic for me, talking about Shannon's parents is extremely painful for him. The thing that amazes me about my wonderful hubby is that he is doing so incredibly well considering he has lost so much family already (he has also lost all of his grandparents). 

Shannon shared with me his conversation from the Superbowl. Thanks to my awesome hormones, I broke down and cried. It kills me that our precious little girl will never know of her amazing Potter grandparents, nor my incredible father. I am OF COURSE not discounting my mama. She is the most amazing woman in the world, and is fantastic grandmother to her grandbabies. It just hurts my heart that my girl won't get to experience all of her grandparents.

This has been a tender subject for me. When I got married, my heart ached because I longed to have my dad walk me down the aisle and felt very jealous of girls who had that opportunity. When my girlfriends or girls in general would complain about their in-laws, it hurt, because I have never had the opportunity to get to know mine. I wish so badly I could have known them. From the stories I have heard, they were the most incredible people. I wish Shannon knew my father. Daddy was a gentleman, charming, hilarious and precious.

I remember the first time we laid eyes on Muggle, at our ultrasound. She was this cute, tiny little bean pole then. I remember leaving and breaking down (thanks hormones). It just seemed to hit me all at once that my daddy wouldn't be here to be a part of this, and neither would Shan's parents. It just didn't seem fair.

::Going back to the Superbowl conversation::

I jokingly said to Shan that we should put out a Craigslist ad for "Wanted, 3 grandparents". While he did laugh, Shannon reminded me that even though our little Muggle wouldn't have all of her grandparents, she had oodles of other family members and good friends that already love the crap out of her. This is so true! At times, Shannon and I have been overwhelmed (in a good way) by people's good wishes, love and support. It brought more tears to my eyes because Shannon is right, she is so loved, and ultimately, loved immensely by our heavenly father.

It is a good thing to know that while our girl may not have all of her grandparents in the traditional sense, she will definitely be loved by so many. Our girl is already so incredibly blessed.