Granny & Nanny
By Barbara Harris Whitfield
And
Robynne Moran
(Š2006 Barbara Whitfield & Robynne Moran)

Introductory Article

Barbara: My life and my work have focused on the personal growth I found after having two profound near-death experiences in 1975. I have written books on the near-death experience, on helping people die and most recently I co-authored The Power of Humility (June, 06 with Health Communications, Inc) Learning more about Unconditional Love has been my passion for 30 years.

I wanted to pick a topic for this column that would be fun – that could ignite my passion even more. So, here's what I came up with – Granny & Nanny.

I'm the granny! I've been one for 13 years thanks to Jacob Harris, my number one grandson. There's been five more grandsons since him, and one grand daughter – a little blonde (or possibly redhead – only time will tell) angel named Anna Hart. Besides, being able to glory in Unconditional Love with these amazing new souls in my life, I have a best friend (besides my husband, who really is my best friend) Robynne Moran. She is the single mother of twins who just left for college (can anyone reading this relate to "empty nest?") and a professional nanny. I met Robynne sixteen years ago when she invited me to speak at a fitness and lifestyle center she co-owned. We both lived in Connecticut at that time. I was a psych researcher back then at the University of Connecticut Medical School – researching the after effects of the near-death experience. Robynne and I instantly recognized each other. We knew we were friends!

Robynne's still in Connecticut and I'm in Atlanta. But, thanks to the miracle of the Internet and unlimited long distance phone service, we are in contact all the time. Plus, there are those occasional wonderful weeks when we really do get to visit in person.

If this column is to be fun -- indulging me, Robynne, and you the reader, in our passion -- then it has to be about our relationships with our children and grandchildren, and even more. It is about relationships, including mine with Robynne. It's about my research and writing, and Robynne's profession as a Nanny. Put all that together and we've got a recipe for huge helpings of Unconditional Love as well as some well thought out and practiced tips on raising third millennium kids and the ones that came before. My kids are 42, 39, 37 and 36. Add their mates and it's a crowd – a crowd that Robynne has helped me with for years when I've been unable to figure out how to approach "something" or "someone" that just didn't feel right. And, my husband, Charlie and I have been there for Robynne over the years as she raised her delightful twins.

Besides being an author of five books, I am in private practice with my husband Charles Whitfield (author of several best sellers on trauma psychology and recovery). We treat adults who were repeatedly traumatized as children.

And, if you have any questions for us to answer in future columns, just write us here.

Now I'd like to introduce you to Robynne.

Thanks, Barbara.

In thinking about our mutual support system, it struck me that I appreciate it most at times when I feel stuck.

When something has me jammed up, or wound up, I always count on Barbara to help me identify alternatives. Through the years, we have continually done this for each other. After sixteen years, I think we've got it down to an art form.

Each time we identify the "real issue," a new door opens. Our two minds are greater than one. Whether I have a problem, or just think I do, a conversation with Barbara moves me closer to resolution. We share a lighthearted approach to life, and I trust that in speaking with Barbara, I will be back on the track of feeling good!

In this column, we are a team intent upon offering readers alternatives. We'll contribute concepts in behavioral psychology as well as our intuitive perceptions. The goal is readers gaining navigational tools and vision, whether in a brand new situation or ongoing pattern. I picture readers exhaling, muscles relaxed a bit, ready to walk forward a little lighter. Barbara and I plan to fortify readers with a new perspective, and help move energy around issues that may have readers feeling frustrated; stuck. We want you to feel good!

We intend to share techniques for soulful living. We hope to help nourish your spirit.

We are friends; confidante and therapist. As we share a dialog with you, readers will learn about my eighteen-year-old twins, single-parenthood, substitute teaching kindergarten through eighth grade, and my experiences as Nanny. With "my babies" in college, I am more committed than ever to increase my social life. We can talk about that, too!

So, please let Barbara and I know if we might help with decision-making in any area of life, including your relationships and personal well being.

Thanks, Barbara, for inviting me to share this experience with you. Welcome to our new readers. Nanny

(Š2006 Barbara Whitfield & Robynne Moran)