The arrival of a grandchild is frequently majorly joyous occasion and game-changer for a family. For one storyteller—the birth of her first grandchild, Lucia, was such a profound turning point in her life—she decided to begin with that one. Born just days before Christmas in 2018, Lucia was born at just three pounds. The author with Lucia, whom he and his family had never met until she was 11 weeks old. That moment changed their understanding of family and love forever.
Lucia passed through her mother Caroline’s womb with her eyes fully open, immediately charming all present. Her unexpected introduction was hardly subtle. She screamed the entire three hours of our drive, reaching such a pitch that it seemed operatic at times. This noisy welcome set the stage for a tender, years-long musical relationship between the protagonist and Lucia.
Caroline, Lucia’s mom, shares a powerful message she told her daughter while they were together. “Then you can go right in your crib and feel better,” she said, attempting to soothe her daughter’s cries. But to the narrator, those sounds represented incredible beauty.
“Why would I be sorry? I’m listening to our first grandchild. I can imagine no sound in the world more beautiful.” – Narrator
This short moment in the car would prove to be formative for the author. It focused on the unique art of caring for an infant, while simultaneously exposing the unique bond that was so clearly developing. Despite the overwhelming noise, the narrator felt an undeniable joy and excitement about being part of Lucia’s life.
Lucia is now seven years old and thriving in middle school, living with her family in Guardian Sanframondi, an ancient town with a population of just 4,700 residents. Making her part of the family has opened up the narrator’s world immeasurably. Now, at Christmastime, it all seems really so much richer than ever, coming right after her arrival.
The author still recalls the look on Lucia’s first sonogram seven weeks before her arrival. That moment inspired them to dream big and aim high. Since that initial sonogram to their extraordinary car ride home, there have been immeasurable memories. Lucia was recently joined by a two-year-old brother, Nicola, who contributes his own chaos to this lively family.
What first seemed like an inconvenience, Lucia’s crying, ended up being a source of inspiration and love and hope in new life. Her arrival has turned the speaker’s life upside down. It’s begun teaching him what’s truly important in life — the value of family and the simple joys that come with it.