Handprint poems can be a fun activity for grandparents and grandchildren together when placing their  handprints next to the poem. For the new handprint poem below, choose two colors - one for the grandparent’s prints that will be an attractive contrast to blue or pink for the grandchild’s prints. (more…)

Young children are often scared of what they might see when you open the door on Halloween night. Here is an original Halloween poem to help them learn that the ghosts, witches, and even a shrew are all children just like them on Halloween…really very, very sweet.

Don’t Be Scared on Halloween

Halloween is October 31
If you see witches, goblins, and maybe a shrew
You don’t have to run
For they are children just like you
When they come to the door
Don’t you run, remember it’s Halloween
You may hear screams and roars
From what you are about to see
Do not be scared from behind the door
It’s candy they like to eat
Don’t be surprised, they may be back for more
For they are really very, very sweet

~Nana’s Corner~

While thinking back on my mother-in-law’s funeral and how it affected our children and grandchildren, I began wondering what parting message I would want to leave for those grieving my death. Our daughter Kari wrote a lovely funeral poem that I have shared with my visitors. My brother-in-law has it hanging on the living room wall, in a small way to keep Mom Mom near. As I sat here at the computer tonight, the following poem came to mind. I want my children and grandchildren to know that I am always with them in spirit, everywhere they go for we are all part of nature. I can’t imagine a nicer way to stay with those we leave behind.

Nana Can’t Be With You

Nana can’t be with you, but remember this…

When you are lonely, curl up your fingers
Feel my hand in yours…

When you are happy, look to the stars
See my shining eyes…

When you are sad, sit in the sun
Feel the warmth of my love…

When you need me, walk in the garden
See me everywhere…

Know that I am with you, always

~ Nana’s Corner ~

Are you searching for a poem to read at your grandparent’s funeral? There are many funeral or bereavement poems to find on websites such as this one, but the best funeral poem would be one you write for your grandparent from your heart.

Recently, our children’s grandmother, Mom Mom, passed on to heaven and one of our daughters, Kari, wanted to express her feelings by reading a poem at the funeral. She searched but didn’t find one that was meaningful, so she wrote her own. Knowing her sister and brother felt the same, she wrote the funeral poem to their Mom Mom from the three of them.

It is a lovely, personal poem…it is from the heart. Kari has given me permission to post the funeral poem to their grandmother here for you to read. Perhaps this funeral poem to her grandmother will give you inspiration to write your own.

MOM-MOM
Mom-Mom, you gave us something special no other could,
The unconditional love from a Grandmother’s heart.
You watched us grow from babies to adults,
Always protecting us, advising us, and loving us.
You gave us so many memories…
From your coffee and coleslaw to your curlers, brush, and comb,
You giving scooter pies and making us grilled cheese.
Mom-Mom you were always there to talk to,
Always there to count on,
Always there for us to play with,
Even after Kaitlin and Emily were born.
On the morning of August 5^th, when we all got that phone call
Telling us you passed,
We lost more than just Mom-Mom,
A part of our hearts now gone.
We all will miss you forever Mom-Mom,
This emptiness never to be filled.
Even though we can’t believe you’re gone,
We all know you are watching from above.
We wish you were here with us now,
Though we understand you had to move on.
We may have lost our Mom-Mom on earth,
But we gained a guardian angel in Heaven.
We know you love us Mom-Mom,
And forever we will love you.
May God bless you Mom-Mom,
Because the Angel he took is You.

(Thank you, Kari)

Last week I received a request to write a poem from a grandchild to her grandmother (Nana). The grandchild and her family must move away because her Daddy is in the Navy. Her Nana will miss her terribly, as we can all relate to her despair. Being a distant grandparent can be a challenge, but also fun too with the use of technology that is available to us.

This poem, Nana, I’ll Miss You, reassures Nana that her grandaughter won’t forget her because they can visit each other using their computers and webcams making it possible to still have some special moments together. Today’s technology is great for distant grandparenting.

Present the poem and grandaughter’s picture in a frame with a webcam; Nana will be able to feel more connected with her grandaughter and visit with her as often as possible.  Add a digital photo key chain, too, for all those grandchild pictures you’ll send her…she can take it everywhere with her and show everyone easily without carrying a big photo album in her bag!  (click here for my post on web cam and digital key chain information)

For a free webcam program that is very user friendly (use it myself) visit my post Grandparents and Grandchildren Get Closer Together with Eyejot. Visit with each other as often you like using Eyejot! This is great for parents serving in the Armed Forces, too.  Read below the poem for many Distant Grandparenting ideas on staying connected with your grandchild. 

Nana, I’ll Miss You

Far away we must move,
It’s what my Daddy has to do.

The distance shouldn’t matter,
‘Cause our love won’t ever shatter. (more…)

Special Moments

A special moment…come and gone,
You smiled when you heard our song.

Don’t worry, now I’m here to stay,
I’ll hold your hand along the way.

You don’t have much farther to go,
Grandmother, I’ll miss you ever so.

Thank you for all that you have shown,
A lifetime of special moments…come and gone.

~ Nana’s Corner ~