I wanted to dedicate a blog post to Maddox’s absolutely incredible grandparents – his Nana and Buppa (my parents) and his Gigi and Papa (Adam’s parents). I have seldom directly mentioned them in my blog posts, but in reality they have all been so graciously and lovingly serving Maddox and our family behind it all. Most of our moments of strength and victory are made possible because of their undying selfless love and support. In many of the moments I write about, they are so often the engine fueling us forward. 

On the day we got Maddox’s diagnosis (blog post here), they gave us strength. On this day, only a handful of minutes after we shared the news with our parents they were all showing up in our doorway with tissues and hugs and encouraging words. I remember something specific my dad said that day, and he may not know it, but it’s a simple truth I return back to often when I’m feeling downhearted about Maddox’s disease. He said “this is what will form him into such a strong, bold person. People that are faced with hardships like this are often the ones who have that extra spark and appreciation for life.” Boy, was he right. My dad never ceases to awe me with his wisdom and perspective. 

When Maddox was born and while we were in the NICU, our parents showed up in so many ways. My parents closely followed behind the ambulance to Maine Med and were there for some labor and of course once he arrived. Adam’s parents took care of our dogs without question and shortly after visited their new grandson. They both came on and off throughout the two weeks we were there, bringing clean clothes, offering warm meals, and encouraging and loving on us and our new sweet little baby. 

All of them have closely watched, listened, and learned about Maddox’s extra needs with his CF. They do his enzymes and dosing, understand his risks and mitigate them, do chest PT when needed, have air purifiers running in their homes, clean a little extra, take their shoes off before coming inside, and all of the other little (but surely impactful ways) that help keep Maddox as healthy and safe as possible. 

My mom watches Maddox frequently all summer when she gets a break from teaching and Angie watches Maddox during the school year on Maddox’s non-preschool days when her summer business winds down (some may say I really hit the lottery here). Maddox adores being at both of their houses which are filled to the brim with toys and books and bikes and fun snacks each time. 

There have been countless Saturday nights my parents have watched Maddox so Adam and I could have a date night. This has been beyond valuable. We got time to spend together to pour into our cups and each others in order to be able to pour back into Maddox. 

Truly these are only a small handful of anecdotes and examples of how our parents have shown up and cared for their babies and their babies’ baby. I could go on for pages and pages recounting all the ways in which all of their support made our strength possible. Just the other day Adam and I were talking about how we truly can’t and don’t want to imagine how we could he navigating parenthood without their parenthood. 

They each bring such a unique and perfect way of loving on Maddox and it has truly been one of my greatest gifts to watch my parents and my in-laws blossom into the grandparents I couldn’t have even dreamed of for my son. 

Angie (Gigi), you have such a thoughtful and compassionate way of loving on Maddox. You set up new toys and puzzles each time he comes over and he sprints around your house with joy knowing he gets a day with his Gigi. You are patient and careful with him and it is so clear how much he just adores you. I know there will be many years to come of Maddox sprinting from our house to Gigi’s to play whiffle ball, bike in her driveway, or just to get plain spoiled. How lucky is he that he lives next to you. A pure gift. Maddox is already learning what it looks like to be giving and gracious through you and all that you do. 

Jay (Papa), you have such a bold and playful way of loving on Maddox. You love big and it shows. Every time I turn a corner I am told by yet another person that all you do is talk about your grandson and how much you just love being a Papa. It’s so evident that Maddox lights up your world and boy does he love his Papa. Maddox is already learning what it looks like to both work hard and laugh harder from you. I know he will grow up being your absolute biggest fan (there’s a pun there that only you will get!). 

Mom (Nana), you have such a selfless and intentional way of loving on Maddox. You know him and love him so well and think of creative and new activities for him every time he visits you. You often tell me you don’t stop thinking about him just the way you don’t stop thinking about your own children. You’ve told me there are little pieces of him that remind you of each of your children as well. It is obvious you treasure every moment with him. Maddox is already learning exactly what kindness looks like from you. He also will have the ability to spell 10 different words and become fluent in sign language by the age of 2 (kidding, sort of). 

Dad (Buppa), you have such a kind and gentle way of loving on Maddox. Your presence alone makes him smile and I know he feels so safe and adored when he’s with you. I know you two will go on so many adventures together – from beach days to McDonald’s fries in the backseat of your jeep, Maddox won’t ever want to leave his Buppa’s side. Maddox is already learning what it looks like to love your family fiercely from you. He will know how to put others first and that life is far too short to take a minute for granted. 

Grandparents truly deserve all the celebration this world can give. I have personally been blessed with 4 grandparents in my own life that have shown me and taught me so much – in so many facets and colors. In sleepovers and trinkets, in knitting lessons and ski trips, in generosity and in long hugs, in McDonald’s apple pie and in homemade Thanksgiving meals, in showing up to dance recitals and in extra large Christmas stockings, and most importantly and in an abundance of prayers. If you’ve been so blessed to have a grandparent in your life that defined and embodied love for you, I believe you’ve tasted a little bit of heaven. (I love you so much Papa and Gaga, and Bamps and my angel, Mimi. You all have shaped me and loved on me in your own unique and perfect ways. I am who I am because of you). 

So, here’s an ode to the grandparents. To the new grandparents, the grandparents that live far, the grandparents that live close, the grandparents who are with us, and the grandparents who we so deeply wish were still here. 

And here’s to Maddox’s grandparents – you are beyond our answered prayers and we love you more than words.