I Was There First

 “I Was There First”

(a poem for every grandparent)

I was there before the first steps,
before the first giggle,
before the first “I love you”
that melted your mama’s heart.

I was there when your parent
was just a wild little thing,
with scraped knees,
missing socks,
and a million questions before bedtime.

I’ve held tiny hands before—
just not yours.
Until now.

Now I get to love twice.
Once for them.
And once for you.

I know the tricks now:
How to slow down.
How to say yes.
How to find magic in the mess.

I don’t need the credit.
Or the spotlight.
I just need this:

Your laugh.
Your snuggles.
Your “Read it again!”
Even if it’s the tenth time.

I was there first…
but I’m here now,
and that’s the sweetest part of all.