In the spirit of Bill Withers’ timeless tribute to the wisdom and warmth of a grandmother’s touch, we’re sharing a beautiful moment that captures the essence of what it means to be a grandparent today.
Actress Rosie Perez recently sat down with Jenna Bush on TODAY to talk about her new favorite role: being a grandmother. If you’ve ever wondered why the bond between a grandparent and grandchild feels so uniquely magical, Rosie hits the nail on the head.
“He’s My Jewel”
Rosie’s face lights up the second Jenna mentions her grandson. She shares that while she was once “Abuela,” her four-year-old grandson has officially upgraded her title to “Buelly”. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the playful, evolving relationship that happens as a child grows.
Why It’s Different This Time
One of the most profound things Rosie discusses is why the love for a grandchild feels different than the love for your own children. “You don’t have the pressure anymore,” she explains. When you’re a parent, you’re in the thick of the rules, the discipline, and the worry. But as a grandparent, you bring all the wisdom you’ve learned over the years and leave the pressure at the door. It allows for a pure, unfiltered joy that is simply about presence.
The Quiet Moments That Last Forever
Rosie’s favorite part of the day? Bedtime. She describes those sweet, stolen moments of singing songs from Moana and forgetting that the baby monitor is even on. It’s that universal desire every grandparent knows: the wish to sit in that room and make the moment last forever.
A Legacy of Love
Just like the “Grandma’s Hands” Bill Withers sang about, Rosie’s story reminds us that grandmothers are the keepers of comfort and the makers of memories. Whether she’s “Abuela,” “Buelly,” or simply “Grandma,” her role is to be the “jewel” in her grandson’s life—and he, clearly, is hers.
Watch the full heartwarming clip below:
Do you have a special “Grandma name” or a favorite bedtime tradition with your grandkids? Share your stories with us!
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Click here to order Grandma’s Hands Book, based on the lyrics from Bill Withers’ song, “Grandmas Hands” and featuring vivid, emotive illustrations by multiple award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie depicting a younger Bill finding comfort and unconditional love in his grandmother’s care.
