Over the weekend, there was a gathering of the clan. And the cousins — who had attended showers and weddings and family dinners together (though with one or both in utero) — finally met in person.  I wouldn’t exactly say that they interacted, but they were held up close to each other, and it felt momentous to me and to their parents.

There’s something about taking on the grandparent role. It’s a stepping into the wings and off the main stage, a move made with gratitude for the most part but not without a backward glance. 

Not that I won’t be a big part of these little people’s lives. But I won’t be raising them, and up till recently, the parenting role is the one I’ve had. 

As we left the house there was one baby fussing and the other being strapped in his car seat for the ride home. Our car felt empty and quiet — but peaceful, too. 

(Photo from another gathering of cousins, this one long ago.)