What Would We Do Without Grandparents?
I am almost 49 years old and have the blessing of still having grandparents in my life. Since “Grandparent’s Day” was yesterday, I wanted to write about grandparents today. I still have my dad’s mom, Grandma B, and my stepdad’s mom, Gram Verna in my life. I lost my mom’s mom, Meme, to complications of dementia this May.
This past Friday I was meeting friends for lunch at a restaurant close to my house. The last time Grandma B came to visit, we took her there for dinner and she loved it. I gave her a call on my way to catch up a little bit. She picked up on the second ring, that’s what grandmas do, and she was so happy I was going to “our” place for lunch. The only bad part was that she wasn’t with me! She lives in a different state, so our visits aren’t as often as either of us would like.
Our conversation quickly turned to me and my new career. Grandma B is so excited for and proud of me for following my dream of writing. I told her some ideas for my first chapter book and she loved them. I am so thankful to still have her in my life to encourage me, be proud of me, and pray for me. It is a rare gift to have grandparents into adulthood, and I do not take it for granted!
All three of my grandmas were/are avid readers and I inherited that from them! Over my 49 years, I have talked books with them more times than I can count. I love the fact that all four of us would rather cozy up and read a good book than do pretty much anything else! Before Meme passed away, we would talk for hours about her favorite subject in any book, Jesus. I miss those times with her more than I can say in words. Meme always thought I was “meant” to do something special with writing or speaking, so I know she's cheering me on, too.
I was the first-born grandchild on either side of my family, so for a little while, I was the one and only. Back in 1973, all of my grandparents made the journey to Texas, where I was born, to see me. From the minute I was born, each of them held me, loved me, and whispered prayer after prayer over me. I was completely loved and welcomed by my parents and grandparents. That unconditional legacy of love continues today as I still feel it when I talk to my grandmothers. This love is passed down from generations before, and I am so happy to have been born into a family that loves and values each other the way we do.
My grandfathers also helped shape who I am today. They all have been gone for many years now, but their influence on my life remains. My dad’s dad, Grandpa B, my stepdad’s dad, Ray, and my mom’s dad, Papa, all left a mark on my life in their own ways. I get out Grandpa Ray’s Christmas train every year to put beside the tree and think of Grandpa B every single time I see anything to do with NASCAR, trains, or hats. And I see Papa all over my house in the furniture he built with his own hands and I think of him when I'm doing anything in nature. I love seeing them still in my cherished memories.
Fast forward to when my parents became grandparents, and my grandparents became great-grandparents, and that’s where some real magic begins. My oldest son was the first grandchild born on both sides and he hung the moon in ALL the grandparents’ eyes! I love watching my parents with my children. And it was amazing to see my grandparents with my children. It always gave me a glimpse into our relationship when I was a little girl. The love they have for all of us is magical and I am beyond thankful for their influence!
As the years march on, I get to see first-hand how a lineage of love works in a family. My grandparents didn’t miss many big events when I growing up, and even attended “Grandparent’s Day” for my kids in elementary school (just like they did for me), right alongside my parents. They made the journey to Indianapolis many times over the years for special occasions, making memories we will never forget. My parents have taken the baton and come down for countless sporting events, music performances, proms, surprise birthday parties, you name it. Now that my kids are older, their grandparents and great-grandmothers are STILL on the sidelines cheering them on in whatever makes them happy. And don’t we all need more people in the stands of our lives cheering us on?
As you can tell, mine is a blended family. My family has navigated this at times tricky situation well, and in turn, we've added people to our lives that we would have never had the chance to know and love. My in-laws call my children their “bonus” grandkids, and isn’t that such a wonderful term? I am beyond blessed to have “bonus” grandparents and parents in my life. In my opinion, the more people there are to love you the better.
I know that my parents dearly loved their grandparents. They have told me stories about the special bond and connection they felt with them. Grandparents love in a different, special kind of way. They have a way of making you feel safe, spoiled, cherished, and valued all at once. As Meme was battling dementia over her last year, the memories she had of her grandparents were crystal clear. In her stories, I could see a pattern of grandparent love weaved from generation to generation. I am so thankful that grandparenting was and is a job that my family takes seriously!
If you are lucky enough to have ANY kind of grandparent or grandparent figure in your life, take a moment to appreciate the legacy and hold them close. If you are a grandparent yourself, what a blessing you have been and continue to be in the lives of your grandchildren! I know that my life was touched and made rich and full by having grandparents and bonus grandparents. I am beyond thankful for my family and know I have had the VERY best.
A big thank you goes out to all the grandparents! You are a cherished and integral part of families. No matter how far we move away, how old we get, or how much time has passed, we need you in our lives! Thank you for the legacy of love you’ve left for us and we will continue to carry the torch for generations to come.
