Additional Needs

Spending time with GG

Posted by Rebecca Toal on 22nd June 2018 Additional Needs, Advice & Support, Disabilities

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She lives in the States and her last visit to Ireland had been over 10 years ago!

It’s so special for my girls to enjoy their great grandmother! I’ll refer to her as “GG” as they affectionately call her- short for great grandma.

She is especially tender with my youngest Brielle who has complex needs.

She’s so happy to see how far Brielle has come from the critically sick premature baby, to a happy and thriving girl of 7!

My grandma is very forgetful. We joke together that she suffers from “short-term memory loss” just like the famous Disney character Dory!

She will ask me the same questions over and over again. Sometimes minutes after I’ve given her the answer.

I’ve realised in a lot of ways; she and Brielle are very similar at this point in their lives...

They crave relationship and companionship.

They don’t like being alone.

They need a lot of repetition and support to learn new things.

They are vulnerable, sometimes unaware of real or potential danger.

They are completely trusting and innocent.

They are dependent on others for many things.

They give genuine love and affection.

They find joy in the simple things.

They love a relaxing massage.

They enjoy a good swim immensely.

They are so positive and happy.

They are expectant and looking for new adventures.

They absolutely ENJOY LIFE!

You may notice this too- that sometimes the elders in our families, and our younger ones or children with special needs, although completely different ages and stages, share these similarities.

They are especially treasured as they often require much of our time and care.

Enjoy your grandparents and even great grandparents if you’re fortunate to still have them around! We love our GG lots!