Rockin’ Grannies

Do you remember how safe and loved you felt wrapped in your grandma’s arms? Do you remember her hearty laugh? Her gentleness? Her ever-handy hankie, ready to wipe a tear or a runny nose at a moment’s notice?

Everybody needs a grandma like that in their lives, and at Child Saving Institute we’re so fortunate to have three!

Grandma Lula

For the past eight years, “Grandma Lula” Grunnells, 76, has risen early Monday through Thursday, rain or shine, to board a bus in order to be at Child Saving Institute’s Early Childhood Education Center by 7:30 a.m. Donning a multi-colored smock and wearing a bright scarf tied around her now-gray hair, she settles into the rocking chair in the Pennie multi-age room and opens her arms wide, indicating her lap is open for business.

“Some people think I’m crazy,” she observes with a deep chuckle. “But my husband has passed away and I’m all by myself in that big house. The babies motivate me to get up and come out here. They bring something out in me. And the babies love me—because they tell me so!”

“Some of these babies need a grandma in their lives—you can tell,” she adds, her tone turning serious. “There’s just something missing. I think I play the role they need by huggin’ and lovin’ on them. We’re like a comfort blanket to them. I think each and every child should have a grandmother.”

Grandma Johnnie

Lula came to Child Saving Institute through the Foster Grandparent Program operated by Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. She is joined in her ENOA work by fellow Foster Grandma Johnnie Hawkins, 78, in the Henry Toddler Room. “Grandma Johnnie” loves babies Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A retired food service worker, Johnnie is the mother of four, grandmother of eight, and great grandmother of nine. She says rising every morning to come to the childcare center gives her day special purpose.

Once a week, 77-year-old Myrtle Weible walks to the agency from her nearby home. She spends Friday mornings rocking, reading and wrangling toddlers. When asked why she does it, “Grandma Myrt” replies, “I love the kids, and I hope I can bring some pleasure and joy to their lives.”

Grandma Myrt

“I think these amazing women bring that extra ounce of nurturing that we pride ourselves on,” says Early Childhood Director Dalhia Lloyd. “Along with the teachers, they build real, meaningful relationships with the kids.”

She shared the story of a 4-year-old, now in Pre-K, who starts each day by first running in to greet Grandma Lula with a hug—as she’s done every morning since infancy. “Our kids really depend on the consistent care the grandmas provide. They are the loving ‘heart’ of our center.”