Hail to the (GRAND) Chief !

By Nancy Mills

Martin Sheen won the hearts, minds and votes of many television viewers as their favorite (fantasy) President. But Sheen's latest media gig isn't as President Jed Bartlet on West Wing, it's as the cover guy for the latest issue of GRAND, the magazine "for today's grandparent."

Founder and Editorial Director Christine Crosby tells me that Sheen was enthused about working on the summer issue. He's a proud grandparent who shares some of his own childhood memories and child-rearing advice in an exclusive interview.

GRAND covers have been graced by other famous and sexy grandparents like Goldie Hawn, Pierce Brosnan and Harrison Ford. Christine says an upcoming issue will feature grandfather Donny Osmond...time does go by, doesn't it! Nice that these celebs are proud of their grandparenthood and ready to be public about it.

GRAND offers advice for Boomers taking on the "grand" role and a new image of what a grandparent looks like these days. As a new grandmother...my grandson Jacob was born last November...I appreciate all the help in assuming this new identity that I can get. Not that it's a difficult job - it's fabulous and truly a blessing. But sometimes it seems a bit unreal. It's been incredible to watch my son Adam become a devoted Dad and, with his wife Tammy, to become really wonderful parents.

I'm grateful to be a grandmother while still in my fifties. Most of my Boomer friends are waiting for the weddings, never mind the grandchildren. Many protest and say "we're too young to be grandparents!" or some version of that. But they'll be thrilled when it happens and will no doubt do it in GRAND style.