Whether it is an every week thing, or a twice a year occasion, there is something special about spending time with grandparents.
Special and Lasting Memories
I grew up with one side of grandparents living eight hours away and the other side living just down the road. My relationship with each side was very different, but still incredibly special.
I have so many great memories from simple time spent with both sides:
- Playing penny poker with my grandma, who is a serious card shark.
- Eating homemade ice cream during summer family get-togethers.
- Learning about rockets and the space program with my grandfather, who worked on the Apollo projects in the 60s.
There are certain things that — even today — just make me think of my grandparents:
- CMT — My grandmother always had it on in the background. Always.
- Jeopardy — Every night they watched and kept their own score. And every night they wagered it all in Final Jeopardy.
- The beach — Even though they lived there, my grandparents never went to the beach. But they always made sure to have toys and towels ready for us to enjoy.
From the Other Side
The bond between grandchildren and grandparents is so special — even more so as I see it from the perspective of a parent. I’ll never forget the joy and pride that we heard from my husband’s grandfather when we told him we were expecting a baby boy (the first grandchild in the family, and one who would ensure that the family name would go on for another generation) — or the debate over which “grandparent name” to take on.
As a parent, I have the privilege of watching my own children make memories with their grandparents, and it’s a special thing to behold. Just like me, my kids are growing up with one set of grandparents close by and one set a day’s drive away. But distance only hinders a relationship if we let it (especially in today’s age of amazing technology). There are so many special bonds that my kids have with both sets of grandparents:
- Like their love of oatmeal cream pies — my mother-in-law always has them on hand.
- Like making giant pancakes after having a special sleepover.
- Like the pride they feel when grandparents are able to go to their special events.
So, on this Grandparent’s Day, I want to say a special THANK YOU to all of the grandparents out there!
- For loving on our kids and spoiling them and giving them all the things that moms normally say “no” to!
- For being there when they are born and giving support and advice.
- For sending them cards in the mail and hugs via FaceTime.
- For making life special, in so many simple ways
