Journeys With Jani

Not long after my grandson was born, my son looked at me—tired, overwhelmed, still slightly terrified—and said, “So just like that… I’ve been demoted?”

Ha! I didn’t even hesitate. “Of course you have, sweetie. Welcome to middle management.”

Now listen, I love my children. Deeply. Madly. With a fierceness that only grew over the years. I know people say, “There’s no greater love than when they’re first born,” but I think those people must’ve tapped out early. Because I have loved my boys more and more as time has passed. Watching them grow from tiny tornadoes in OshKosh overalls into sarcastic, successful, sometimes smarter-than-their-mama adults? That’s some BIG LOVE. (And no, not that HBO polygamy mess—I mean the real kind.)

But grandchildren? Oh honey, that’s a whole different category. That’s like going from running the kitchen every night to just showing up, sipping wine, and clapping when the soufflé doesn’t collapse.

Being a parent means sleepless nights, questionable snacks, and constant questions about whether you’re doing it right. Being a grandparent means snacks for dinner are charming, naps are optional (for me), and if they want to wear rain boots with pajamas? Fashion icon!

As a grandparent, I’m no longer responsible for shaping the future of America. I just get to soak up the right now. I’m not stressing about college funds or who they’ll marry or whether they’ll remember to brush their teeth every morning. (Let’s be honest, I’ve seen the state of some of their parents’ mouths—they’ll be fine.)

And when one of my grandkids does something hilariously naughty—like saying, “ Hell yeah!” or hiding a grilled cheese behind the couch or sneaking upstairs just for the thrills, I don’t panic. I don’t lecture. I just smile, take a picture for posterity, and let that quiet little chuckle rise up because ohhhh yes, I’ve seen that move before. Jake and Jarrett were the original rascals, and baby, history repeats itself.

So no, parenthood hasn’t ended. It’s just been… promoted. I get to love my grown kids with pride, admiration, and the occasional unsolicited advice. And I get to adore my grandkids with wide-open arms, zero guilt, and plenty of ice cream.

Parenthood is the masterpiece.

Grandparenthood? That’s the encore.

And you better believe I’m standing center stage, soaking in the applause.

XOXO, Jani