Dedicated grandparents

There was a time when most grandparents would welcome their children and grandchildren for a family supper once in a while, but that was just about the only link they had with the people they loved most in the world. Times have certainly changed. Today, many grandparents see family members regularly and even stay in touch on a daily basis by telephone, e-mail, Skype, or Facebook. By doing this they are able to convey a real sense of family to their offspring.

It is in fact very reassuring for children, and very useful to parents, to know that they can always count on Gran or Grandpa if a problem arises. The lucky ones among us have grandparents who overflow with love and with the wisdom not to judge. They are trusted confidantes for broken hearts or when life delivers any other kind of blow. Grandparents can be good advisors when the time comes to discuss important decisions such as career choices or moving away from home.

By telling anecdotes about their own lives, grandparents help us to understand that they aren’t perfect either, and that they were able to succeed in life by putting their mistakes behind them and looking to the future. Without us even realizing it, they illustrate the benefits of values such as respect, honesty, and generosity. They also show us that a little bit of good can be done with something as small as a helping hand, a hug, or a steaming hot apple pie!

We say “thank you” to all you grandparents out there, for sharing your knowledge and your loving care.