Tell about proud moments as a grandmother; Part 2

Cari & I on the Ferry; June 2012

I always hated my name. Oh, I was okay with HOW I got my name; it was pretty cool.  But, you see, I always had this irrational jealousy of my older brothers because I didn't have a nickname!  William became Bill; Allen became Al.  What do you do with Carol?  And then when you put it together with my middle name, it became a lesson in alliteration! Go ahead. Say it together. Fast! Carol Ellen.  It's like the "l's" never stop!  Anyway, I always wished that my name had been Carolyn or Caroline (like President Kennedy's daughter).  My kids all know the story....

So, imagine my surprise one day when Meg was home on a college break and informed me that when she had a daughter, her name would be Carollen.  I was honored.  I was thrilled.  I was impressed (that her daughter would be able to have a nickname).  And so it happened!

Our own Ghanian Princess
Carollen Kete Nana Aboagye

Ten years ago today, April 22, 2003, my second granddaughter was born to Meg and her husband Samuel.  I guess I should explain the above caption a little more for anyone who doesn't know the story... You see, my son-in-law is from Ghana (West Africa) and was born the son of his tribe's chief, making Samuel, in essence, a prince, so yes, Cari is a princess.  Kete is for her paternal grandmother and Nana is a statement of her status as tribal royalty.  And as you can tell, she has a nickname, even though it's not of her choosing.  (I guess she could change her nickname anytime she wants.  She has so many options! She can be Carollen, Cari, Carol, Kete or even Leni!)  Much to my dismay, she hates her name!  Oh well....

Due to work demands at the time, I was unable to go to Virginia (where Meg lived) when Cari was born and I first met her when she was about five weeks old when they came to Utah for Aunt Brooks' wedding!

My two oldest grandbabies!
Cari-5 weeks & Andi-5 months

I probably have the closest relationship with Cari of all my grandchildren, because I've spent more time with her than any of the others.When she was about six months old, Meg & Sam moved to Butte, Montana by me for a year.  We built a pretty close relationship in that year and it's stayed strong.

2-year-old Cari

Now's probably when I need to mention Cari's relationship with her mother.  Now don't get me wrong. Meg loves Cari.  Very much.  But do you remember me talking about the curse of the child that's just like you on my April 12th post, about Sami?  Well... Cari is Meg's Meg.  So many calls or texts I've gotten over the years from Meg wondering how I kept from killing her or slapping her silly!  Now, I'm not going to try to say that Meg was the easiest child for a mother to raise, but I can honestly say she didn't frustrate me.  Well, at least not the way Cari frustrates her mother!  Both of them like to be right.  Both of them like to state their case. And why on earth would anyone have an opinion other than theirs?  Wait.  I take that back.  Meg recognizes other's opinions and you're welcome to them, as long as you don't try to convince her that your opinion should be hers.  Anyway... a bit of tension there and I must admit, I laugh.  Maybe not out loud.  I recognize the frustrations with the child just like you, but it's hilarious when Cari tries to put her mother through the same challenges Meg put me through.  All I can say is that the teen years should be an adventure!

Meg & Cari
Summer, 2012

Also, like Meg, Cari is the oldest child and experiences the same frustrations with younger siblings.  She feels responsible for them and tries to mother hen them while finding them annoying and irritating.  I frequently receive texts from her saying things like "Nana, they're driving me nuts!" or "I wish I was an only child!"  And again, I laugh, 'cause I know she loves them...deep down ...somewhere....

Sarai, Jonas & Cari
July, 2009

I was VERY blessed last summer to have Cari and Andi (granddaughter #1) come to spend three weeks with me in Seattle.  We had a fabulous time and it was nice for them to have some time to get to know one another better considering the only times they've ever even seen each other in their lives were for weddings, holiday celebrations or a summer reunion.  It was kind of like having Meg & Sami in the house again; although they were a bit more polite to one another since there was the unknown factor...

Dancing to Sidewalk Musicians
Space Needle 2012

Sporting Rain Ponchos in
The Hoh Rainforest

So, we've established that Cari is just like her mother, but oddly enough, in many ways she's a lot like me too.  I never would have thought it possible since I've always thought of Meg as my alter-ego, but it's true.  I've been told many times by Meg & Aunt Emily (Bart's wife) that Cari claims that I'm the only one who understands her.  While I hate to think of any of my kids or grandkids having any hard times or that no one understands them, at the same time I'm thrilled and honored that Cari feels that I DO understand her and that she knows that I'm here for her.

What else can I say about Cari?  She likes to be in charge. She's very intelligent, like me. :-)  She's a bookworm, like me.  She's sensitive, like me. She's artistic and creative, not like me!  She was in heaven near the ocean and she can swim like a fish. She likes to entertain, likes to be in charge and can be quite outspoken (especially if she sees what she perceives to be an injustice).  She has a look (just like her mother) that can stop stupidity in its tracks.  She's fiercely loyal and loving and worries about people when they're away from her. She likes to sing and dance and did I mention that she likes to be in charge?   

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARI-GIRL!

Your NaNa loves you!

PS This song is a combo gift for you AND your mom!