How I Lost My Heart
By Judy Wanamaker
27 Jan 2009
In college, as I was learning to make my own way, I met the man who was to be my lifelong husband/soulmate/friend. ( After 40 years, we truly complete each other.) Together we brought 2 wonderful children into our hearts and home. They became our life, and until they began to gradually leave our home (but never our hearts), we forgot to notice how fast the years were churning by. They met their wonderful mates, who have also become close to our hearts.
After a few years a miracle of the most indescribable magnitude shook our lives with a new kind of love. Our first grandchild, Brianna, was born. She immediately took a piece of my heart. She was a perfect little baby who quickly became the focus of our lives. That was 7 years ago. It has been such a blessing to watch her grow into the happy child that she is. She has a very strong will tempered by a great capacity to love. For her birthday she requested a microscope and a telescope, which of course she received. Tae Kwan Do is one of her favorite activities. She takes it seriously, and does very well at it. As you can tell, she is my favorite.
A year later came Amelie. Her adoption is a story in itself, and cannot possibly be related here. Suffice it to say that Divine Intervention controlled this adoption. Before the ink was dry on the application, six week old Amelie was safe in the arms of her new mommy and daddy; our son and daughter in law. The first time I saw her was the day after she was taken home. That is when she took a special piece of my heart. Because she was so quick to come to them, her room was not ready, nor did she have a bed or clothes. The family swarmed in with everything she needed and more. It was such a joyous occasion. She is sweet and loving, with a sunny personality; always a joy to have around. She is a social butterfly, and a drama queen. She loves kindergarten and shopping. I adore her quick smile, and funny sense of humor. As you can tell, she is my favorite.
When our son and daughter in law were filling out more adoption papers, they discovered that they were pregnant with twins. Miraculous news! The twins each got a piece of my heart before they were born. My daughter in law had to go on semi bedrest 6 weeks before they were born, so I had the privilege of helping with Amelie, and taking care of the family. We followed the twins' progress on frequent sonograms, and watched them grow very large very fast. Ridley was sitting on Ewan's head for the last month or so. They seemed to be developing personalities, as we witnessed which one was kicking or jumping. After a full term pregnancy, they were born big and healthy. Little miracles.
Ewan was "Twin A", so I will relate his story first. As an infant, he had the louder scream, and worst temper. As he became more aware, he developed a sense of humor, and stopped the frequent tantrums. If anyone laughed when he did something, he would repeat the act over and over. He has maintained and developed his sense of humor, and uses it to get himself out of trouble. He learned early that an angry adult is less likely to put him in timeout if he can make that person laugh. It works very well. In the last 2 years (the twins are 4) he has developed a great passion for Tampa Bay Rays baseball. He loves to play, and bats very well. He is always on the go, and seems very athletic. As you can tell, he is my favorite.
Fourth is Ridley. He bears little resemblance to his brother in personality. He is a friendly, but somewhat reserved child with a knockout smile. (That is his weapon for avoiding timeout). He is a Red Sox fan who supports the Rays unless they play the Red Sox. He likes to play ball, but not with the passion of his brother. He is a "Heartbreaker" which he sings loudly with Ryan of "Celtic Thunder". A very sensitive little guy, he cries if anyone else is sad, and has severe pangs of conscience if he hurts anyone's feelings. Music, books, and Disney DVD's are his life. He likes to spend time alone listening to music. He can repeat most of the dialogue from Toy Story 1 and 2. When he is tired, sad, or doesn't feel good, he likes to snuggle with me in the "Grandmommy chair" (which I don't mind at all). As you can tell, he is my favorite.
Before I started this story, I tried to choose which child I would use for this topic. Because each one has a piece of my heart, there is no way I could make that choice. It takes all 4 of them to tell the whole story.
27 responses
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Rob Roy added a link (27 Jan 2009):
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Donald Garrett gave props (27 Jan 2009):
I wholeheartedly agree with Rob on this, Judy. Not many people this day and time have such warm feelings for their families. Plus, it is so nice to see a family intact! You (and they) are young enough to enjoy each other for many years. A beautiful photo essay!
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Michael Adams gave props (27 Jan 2009):
This is a wonderfully precious story. And you know to every grandkid, they are the favorite! that is how my grandma treated each of us!
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Regenia Brabham gave props (27 Jan 2009):
A beautiful story and you have very beautiful grandchildren! Everyone one of them deserves to be your favorite.
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Susan Littlefield gave props (27 Jan 2009):
Fantastic! When you first claimed one as your favorite, I was alarmed; however after reading your story, I see my alarm was misplaced. Wonderful heartwarming story and pictures!!
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david ong gave props (27 Jan 2009):
this is truly a wonderful story, thanks for sharing Judy, i love it!
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Andrea Petersen gave props (28 Jan 2009):
Oh I really love your story and I know your grandchildren, each your favorite, will treasure this forever this story and all of the beautiful pictures you have taken of them.
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John Linton gave props (28 Jan 2009):
Oh...Yeah! It rocks!
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Renee gave props (28 Jan 2009):
oohh Judy...that made me cry. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful family. They are so blessed to have a you for their Grandmommy.
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Judy Wanamaker said (28 Jan 2009):
I want to tell you all how much I appreciate your taking time to read and prop my story. It is so kind of you. Thanks so much. Judy
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Rob Roy said (28 Jan 2009):
Back to vote!
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Deborah Downes gave props (29 Jan 2009):
Truly a moving story with delightful pics. As a mother and grandmother, I can so relate to your feelings.
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Michael Ball gave props (29 Jan 2009):
A very beautiful and heartwarming story Judy!! You a very blessed as well as they are for having such a loving family!! Thanks so much for taking the time to share this with us!! You have my vote!! :)
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Litz Go gave props (30 Jan 2009):
This is a very heart warming photo essay, Judy. I'm glad I found and read it. This is so lovingly done and I can't blame you they are all so lovable and sweet. My vote.
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Rob Roy gave props (12 Mar 2009):
Back to re-read.... well done, Judy!
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Michele said (15 Mar 2009):
After meeting all of them last spring I would have a hard time choosing "a favorite one" also. I always felt like I was my Grandmother's favorite. I believe that is one of the most valuable traits a grandmother can have, when all her grandchildren believe that they are grandma's favorite!! What a blessing you are to them and they to you. Thanks for sharing.
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Andrea Petersen gave props (4 Apr 2009):
I thought I had voted before but evidentally forgot to do so...So I will vote this time.
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Sonia Adam Murray gave props (5 May 2009):
Your story and your photos are heartwarmingly beautiful, you definitely have my vote.
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suzanne said (8 May 2009):
Each of those precious little beings carries a piece of you in their hearts too, Judy. I bet you are their favourite Grandmommy. What an exceptional piece of love woven into little childrens' hearts. thank you for sharing your beautiful family.
Delightful little portraits. -
Joy B gave props (8 May 2009):
This is beautifully written and touching. They are all gorgeous and lucky to have you to love them!
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John Linton gave props (9 May 2009):
Hell...Yeah! It rocks!
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eithne mythen gave props (9 May 2009):
A real feel good story and lovely smiling children, my vote!! Would love to have some grandchildren..
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Maurie A gave props (11 May 2009):
Oh, Judy, I just found this story....... anyone with a grandchild knows exactly how you feel!!! This is amazing story!! They all are so beautiful.... has my vote!
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Karen Foto Fiddler gave props (30 May 2009):
I am so choked up with emotion...Your story is so touching. Yes print it!
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Ron LaFond gave props (2 Jun 2009):
I think they're all my favorites too, Judy. You brought tears to my eyes and put a lump in my throat. And I love you for it. R
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Ann Reece gave props (19 Aug 2009):
Judy, this is a beautiful well written story about your relationship with your favorite grandchildren. You and your husband are so blessed. It got my Yeah vote!!!
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Sherry Davis Johnson gave props (25 Aug 2009):
That was the sweetest story it brought tears to my eyes. I especially love people with the capacity to love like you and your family. Congratulations on a heart well lost.
