The Glory of Being "Babci" -- a Polish Grandma

But the love of the Lord remains forever
with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children’s children.
Psalm 103:17 NLT

I come from a long line of Polish grandmothers — incredible women who sacrificed and loved and put their “babies” ahead of themselves.

My Babci came over to the US on a boat at the age of 15 by herself from Poland through Ellis Island. Her mom (my “Great-Babci”) began to send her kids one by one out of Poland to the US before WWI. She could see the conflict brewing.

My mom was “Babci” to my kids. She was my hero who loved her God and her seven kids more than life itself. She was the family glue. And her grandchildren adored her.

These “Babci’s” were all courageous, godly women. And now it’s my turn. I’m proud and grateful to be called “Babci” by my six precious grandkids.

I could tell you lots of stories of my life as “Babci” — like “muffin drops,” “Jesus books,”
Jesus Storybook Bible bedtime stories, God Says I Am ABC’s, and “Babci’s Song” (which is really “Brahm’s Lullabye”). Many of these stories are in my Book, Glory in Disguise.

Bur there is one story I must show more than tell.

In 2019, we were at Glen Arbor MI for our Loyd Family Vacation. Our clan included John & me; Jeremy & Cortney with Evan & Carter; Beth & Nate with Kaden, Eli, William, & Claire. While on the shore of Lake Michigan one day, a photo began to evolve. First, it was me with the two bigger boys. Then one by one the younger ones scrambled to get in the shot.

The above picture is how the “pose” spontaneously took shape. The cutest of the cute…I can’t not smile at the floaties and the “littles” in them.

So then two years later on the beach in Ship Bottom, NJ, we decided to continue the shot, keeping the same order. Here we are … no more floaties but beach clothes above, street clothes below.

Then things began to take a turn in 2023 … we knew it would eventually come. But it seemed so soon. One of our grands couldn’t be with us. It was all good and the way life must be — our beloved Kaden was marching that summer with Troopers Drum Corps Intl. So we missed him, but we knew the Lord had opened the door for him … an incredible opportunity.

And now again in 2025 in Harvey Cedars, NJ, a different missing grandson. Our dear Evan is marching with Bluecoats DCI — a great opportunity, an open door for his life … and of course, we missed him.

Only God knows what the coming years will hold. But I’m so grateful for each precious person who calls me “Babci,” my favorite name. Thank you, God! Amen.

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;
parents are the pride of their children.
Proverbs 17:6 NLT

The “BABCI CONVENTION” Belmar NJ, 2012
3 Babci’s : my Mom,
my sister Linda who is a Babci to Lilly (on her lap),
and myself.

A Branch in the Vine

The Glory of Being "Babci" -- a Polish Grandma

A Branch In the Vine