Recently, we celebrated the birth of our 10th grandchild into the family.  We waited with great anticipation to meet him for the first time — what happened during that first visit was what I would call an awakening.

What is it about babies that make such a difference?  Mom held, rocked, cooed with and loved on H for over an hour.  She held him after his feeding and rocked him back to sleep.  Earlier, I watched as Mom counted his fingers and toes and rubbed his head to feel the peach fuzz he has for hair.  She held him as if she was a brand new mother — close and cuddled.  She was very disappointed when it came time for H to go home.  She didn’t want him to leave — and she let us all know with a few words about that.

During our bedtime routine a little later that evening — as Mom was finishing things up, we reviewed the day.  In most instances, any review would bring a blank stare, but that evening, no.  She remembered cuddling with the baby, his name and was pleased as punch at remembering the other 4 great grandchildren who had visited as well that afternoon and evening.  The satisfaction and love on her face filled my heart with joy and a question as to what had happened to bring this lucidity to light?

Later that night, we awoke to Mom having a conversation in her bedroom.  The “chat” lasted more than an hour.  There would be a pause as if she was listening to her invisible friend or friends for that matter and then a flurry of words and laughter as she shared the day’s events.  She was sharing her version of spending time with her newest great grandchild and she was looking forward to the promise of his return later that week.

Fast forward to Friday.  Dinner held no interest.  She wanted to hold the baby.  She did and for an extended period of time.  While she didn’t vocalize as much this visit, you could see the tenderness and love in every touch and gentle rocking as she held him.

We look forward to our next visit with H and the awakenings it will bring — even if it’s just a brief pause.