Up until now the three most special dates in Barbara’s life where the day AJ was born, our wedding and AJs and Jens wedding. Then on Easter Sunday 4/16/2006 her whole world changed. We were at Jens house for Easter Dinner. In front of all the place setting where Chinese to go containers. When we sat down Jenny said to open the containers. Inside was a simple note that said “Grandma”. Barbara sat there stunned for a while then she got up crying, laughing, excited and jumping up and down she hugged AJ, Jenny and me. She was going to be a Grandmother to a person not a dog. When we came home that night she was beside herself. She had a smile so big her mouth hurt. We laid in bed just hugging each other and talking about the miracle we both had gotten. Every Easter she would place that Chinese to go container with the note on our foyer table.
Seven months later we got a call from AJ that they were on the way to the hospital. Barbara was beside herself she was full of anticipation. We spent many hours in the waiting room and then AJ came in and said he was born. Barbara cried and hugged AJ, I thought she would break his back. The joy in her eyes and heart was so present when she first saw Rocco it filled the entire hospital. Rocco will always hold a special place in Barbara’s heart as he was the first grandchild. At that moment I saw a strength in Barbara unmatched by anyone. Her life changed forever that day for now she was a grandmother and she became the Mama Bear.