May I add that I think my grandmother's lesson and her example have  
also taught me to see and appreciate the joy and blessing of each  
stage of my own life, even with all of the troubles and aches and  
pains that each stage brings.

Lisa and Effath,

One of the best pieces of parenting advice I ever received came from  
my grandmother when my daughter was born, 25 years ago. My daughter  
was our first child as well as the first grandchild and great  
grandchild in the family. My grandmother said to me, "Don't rush any  
stage of your children's growth. There are parts of each stage that  
drive you crazy and you can't wait till it's over, but when it is  
over, you miss it." I have tried to live by this advice, to enjoy the  
blessing that every single day and each child is.

However, we do it, it is so important to communicate to our new  
parents the joy of the journey: when we experience joy in the journey  
of parenting, it helps our children see the joy and value in the  
journey of their lives.  I have passed my grandmother's advice on to  
countless expectant and new parents - friends, colleagues, students.  
But mostly, I have tried to live her advice and thereby pass it on by  
example.

My grandmother died in November, 2010 at the age of 104, having been  
able to enjoy the stages of growth of 2 children, 5 grandchildren and  
13 great grandchildren, ranging in age fro 25 to 4. We all miss her  
wise counsel and her joy at seeing us in the world. I hope I can pass  
that joy on to my children and as yet unborn grandchildren.

Naomi

------------------------------------------
Naomi Bar-Yam Ph.D.
Executive Director
Mothers' Milk Bank of New England

[log in to unmask]
617-527-6263
www.milkbankne.org
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