I want to write a word about my grandkids. It still amazes me that I have them, but I was a young grandma at age 42. That was 13 years ago.
Raven is now a teenager. Totally amazing. He is wonderful. Last time I saw him, he had passed me in height. (I am 5’4″ – not the tallest woman)
Raven’s parents have been divorced for years, but when I think back to the time of his birth, they were so in love. Their wedding was full of happiness and warmth, and much love. Their dance together still brings tears to my eyes when I remember it. They were in love, and I want their kids to strongly know that. They were very young, and happy together, at least for a few years. I think the immaturity of one side unraveled that love thread, but they were a love couple. Their mom is remarried and that was a lovely outdoor wedding, a beautiful day, with loving family members all around. There was much love that day as well. I just wanted the boys to know their parents did have a love marriage in the beginning.
Raven is the most amazing spirit, lanky, blonde, and type B personality, like his mom. He is a soothing presence to be around, and extremely smart. Also somewhat ADD, loses track of things and time. Raven is a leader by quiet strength of spirit, and his sense of humor. Very sociable in his own way. Plays soccer, football, cross country, tries to please everyone, but eventually will need to break that habit in order to find his own place in the world and who he is.
And then came Caspian, 5 years later. Caspian is a whiz. Lots of energy, can’t stop moving, also blonde, but a very different personality from his brother. He would be on the opposite end of the spectrum as a strong type A. He is a leader and loud about it. I pray to God every day to channel this kid’s energy somehow, for him to find a place to use it well. Caspian is now 8, a 2nd grader, can be very difficult to control. Doesn’t want to color between the lines. Sees the world outside the box.
And then there’s Zakiah, my sweetie boy. He is now 3. Biracial, bicultural, Kenyan-American. Really, he is just American by nationality, but he carries the history of his Kenyan family and all their culture with him at all times, through his father. He hears Swahili and English at home, along with Spanish at school. He will find his own place and identity in the world. He is aware of the world at all times, unlike some Americans. He is adorable, talking constantly, very smart, very happy. Also a strong defiant spirit, which, when channeled, will be a big plus for him in making decisions for his own life.
And then I have 3 step-grandchildren whom I never see. I have met them all, but since then, circumstances have changed to where I never see them. Joseph, through Jean, is also 8 and lives in Pittsburgh. Daisy and Ashley, my 2 beautiful Mexican granddaughters, are not allowed to see me or receive gifts from me. I have no say in that, so that’s the way it is. I feel sorry that they are deprived of their grandma who would love them greatly.
Through Jean’s half-sister, I have 3 other African-American “nephews” of sorts, Julian, Jonah and Jerry. What a group! Each of them has their own personality as well. Julian, the sombre thinker, Jonah the clown, Jerry the soul singer. 
They get together with Raven and Caspian and have a BLAST. It must be good to have multi-cultural cousins. They will look at the world in a more open way.
I pray for them all every day. One morning prayer is for them. May they make this world a better place with their presence.
“The earth is one country, and mankind its citizens.” –Baha’i writings.
Doctor Grandma 
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