Most children live for the love of the grandparents. Where would we be without them? I know how special it is for I am a Grandma and what a feeling it is! There is just something so different and special about having a grand child . . . and all those things you want to spoil them with that you surely would not do with your own kids! Why is it that way?
I have had many friends who have not only raised their own children but for one reason or another they are now raising their grandchild and I have so much respect for them. I know I would do the same if I had to do so . . . I just do not know where on earth I would find the energy. My granddaughter just turned 3 years old and I adore her. I have to admit though that this whole house including our pups need a long nap after we visit together.
Next week is Grandparents Day and I just wonder how many grandparents get any recognition for being an important part of their lives. It is so unfortunate that so many families do not unite and there are all kinds of custody battles, making this “Hallmark” Holiday anything but happy. This day is supposed to honor those whose love and dedication of their own children so often goes unrecognized. Grandparents do have rights, despite family differences, situations, divorces, single parent scenarios and so forth. I feel so sad for all those grandparents who do not get to see their grandchildren often enough.
Who has more wisdom to share than the good old grandparents? My best days of my life are memories from my grandparents. I was grandpa’s little girl and can remember him so vividly. Here I am, almost 60 myself, and I was 6 when he died. I remember everything about him. Being that I was in an abusive family, my grandmother had the task, most years, of raising me and caring for me. I lost so much when I lost her but my heart is still in that little town in Louisiana where she lived and she and grandpa took care of me while he was here. Don’t take the grandparents for granted because I can tell you for my own life and experiences, they do have a great impact on the lives of their grandchildren for the rest of their lives.
I remember my grandparents had a dog, Brownie, and my grandpa talked to him as if he were human . . . and that dog understood every single word he said. Boy, did that dog hate me. After all, when I was there I got the attention and not Brownie. I’ll never forget when we found him on the side of the road, hit by a car, went back to get him and he was gone. Grandpa died 6 months later. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.
Grandparents Days was created in the 1970’s but why don’t we hear much about it? Grandparents do play a vital role in the family unit to share their hopes, dreams, and their family values. They are the past and the grandchildren are the future. Their past experiences so affect the lives of their children and grandchildren, providing heritage and traditions.
I just found that grandparents day is honored in September to signify the “autumn days of our lives”, the lives of the folks in their “autumn days or golden years”. I sure feel most days like those golden years are here to stay . . . and oh, the aches and pains that go with them. With them are all past experiences and wisdom I gained throughout my entire life. I raised 4 beautiful children, tragically lost one to suicide as a teen. I have a married daughter which I hope will bless me with more grandchildren, one daughter who is not married but dating and my son who’s girlfriend gave me that beautiful treasure in my life, Gabby, now 3 years old. I adore her.
Don’t forget the grandparents at this special time for them. We remember Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, even Boss’s and Secretary’s Day. Don’t forget the people who think you and those grandbabies are the most precious part of their lives. It doesn’t have to be much, a handmade card, call, flowers, homemade gift from the grand children; anything will fill the joy in their hearts just to know how much you care for them and appreciate them.
