I remember, long ago, I stepped into my grandparents home and called my father’s mother by the name of “Abuelita (Grandma’ in spanish)”. Without hesitation, she turned to me and said: “Don’t call me Abuelita, I’m “Mamá”(mother in spanish)”. Being a small as I was, this statement went by without my complete comprehension. I could tell my parents weren’t very pleased with the response she had, but I did not know what was going on.
Viewing the past, with my present mind
Today, I think I have a better grasp on what was going on. My grandma’ felt she was still young and calling her “Abuelita” seemed to threathen her age. I can see why she would feel that way, although I can’t understand it fully. Isn’t Grandma’ a loving word? When a child goes and calls Grandma’, isn’t that the same as saying “I love you”? Weird, isn’t it?
I wonder, how many of us will do the same when our time to become grandparents come. Will we step up to the plate and proudly announce our new tittle? Or will we step out of the situation and have them call us by another name?
What do you make of this?
At this point, I would love for you to give me your input. Tell me, why do you think that some people will not allow the term “Grandparent” to come into their lives? Is there any way that this can be adverted? Is it something you can bring up to your parents before you become a parent? Maybe come up with a name you can all agree to, before the situation arises? What do you think?
I think it is a right of passage that everyone at one point or another goes through. I think for women, getting to that point where someone calls you Sra, Abulea, or Doña might mean (for some) that they are old, not attractive, or maybe even useless. Other women wear the title with honor while other’s prefer to be called by their name.
Rick,
I think you just answered a question I had for a while. Now I understand why my grandma preferred me calling her Mama instead of Grandma. I had never thought of that. In my case I am so not focusing on age but making sure I make the best of each moment I have that when it comes I don’t mind being called grandpa.
When I’m a Grandpa I’ll be the most proud person in the planet to be called that. Guess I’ll never understand why some feel the other way around. Maybe they should take into consideration how their grandson/daughter feels about you saying: “Don’t call me that!”