The Spirituality of Grandparenting

“Our spiritual vocation as grandparents is to delight in our grandchildren.” So begins Ralph Milton, in this latest addition to the beautifully and lavishly illustrated Spirituality of… series. More than a celebration of grandchildren, this book is a celebration of grandparenting, and of the very real gifts it offers to both the grandchild and to the grandparent.

Which is not to say that grandparenting is always easy or fun. While Milton shares lots of stories of hugs and giggles, of silly songs and tender moments, he also knows that many grandparents struggle with the challenge of long-distance grand-parenting, with the pain and tension of separation from grandchildren due to marriage breakup, and with the anxiety and distress of grandchildren who are in trouble or who are ill. But Milton doesn’t dwell on these things. Rather, he returns, always, to the delight, wonder, and love, which is foremost in the experience of any grandparent; and to the inherent bond that exists between older adults and children.

This remarkable book is for grandparents who are new to the role and for grandparents who have earned their degree in “grandparentology” through long experience. It’s for “traditional” grandparents and for grandparents of adopted children; it’s for surrogate grandparents and even for grandparents-in-waiting.