Grandmas are Moms with Lots of Frosting.

I’ve always adored that quote! (Author Unknown.)

Even though I did not have the opportunity to know my own grandparents, I’ve relished in Ryder and Reid’s relationship with my Mom. Oh, they love me – but they loooove Grandma. And why not? She comes with lots of tasty frosting :)

I’ll never forget the day I told my mom I was expecting. She and my father had stopped by the house to drop off a few supplies (we had just moved in) and while they were taking off their shoes, I blurted out that I was pregnant. And, they looked at me like I had lobsters growing out of my ears.

(I know they’ll blame it on the shock of my exciting news, but I know what they were secretly thinking: “Oh Lord, she’s such an immature brat! How is she going to raise a family?”)

Guess what? Two boys later, I can still be an immature brat at times, but I’ve never had to raise my family alone. My Mom has been there from day one – supporting me with love, advice, a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on. In truth, all of Ryder and Reid’s grandparents have been an instrumental part of their lives, and today – Grandparent’s Day! – I wanted to acknowledge the special role that they’ve played.

I’ve always known the bond between grandparent and grandchild is a special one. In fact, even before I had witnessed it firsthand, I had experienced the dynamic peripherally – childhood friends who were raised by their grandparents; high school chums who had one or more grandparents living with them in their old age; co-workers who visited their grandmother on weekends and holidays.

And, I’ve also been privy to the other side of the coin – online friends who proudly post pictures of their grandchildren; neighbours who take a brand new grandchild for a walk in the stroller; old teachers who lament that their now married kids are off seeing the world instead of making them a grandma :)

Today, on Grandparent’s Day, I’d like to wish all grandparents the happiest of days. And, I’d also like to take a moment to send love and support to all those waiting for grandchildren – especially if their child has been struggling with infertility. It’s not often that the toll on grandparents-to-be is discussed, but many times parents of infertile children are forced to stand by, helpless and unsure of how they can ease the pain. They’ll watch their children go through physical and mental turmoil, and of course, monetary woes in an effort to continue the family legacy. Therefore while I take the time to celebrate my children’s grandparents, I’d also like to remind everyone that grandchildren sometimes don’t come along so easily.

To all those who have been blessed with a family; appreciate the challenge in building one; and have experienced the euphoria in seeing those hopes, dreams and plans come to fruition – I ask you to join me in supporting government funding for IVF. Because above and beyond our desire to alleviate the financial strain on those couples trying to conceive, we also want to relieve the financial strain on our healthcare system – to the tune of $400-$500 million in savings over 10 years.

And, the world needs more grandparents :) Please follow @OHIP4IVF on Twiter or the hashtag #OHIP4IVF.

I am a valued member of the Conceivable Dreams blog team. The opinions on this blog are my own, and I happen to wholeheartedly support publicly funded IVF.